The Rotary Club of Lions Gate is active in fundraising for a wide range of projects affecting both local youth and people in other parts of the world. For several years priority has been given to "Investing in Youth" projects on the North Shore, including vocational scholarships, North Shore Youth Week, Adventures in Citizenship for Youth, Rotary Youth Leadership Seminars, assistance to individual youth in need and the North Shore Youth Safe House.

In this joint fundraising effort, proceeds from calendar sales will be invested in the children and youth of the North Shore. The calendar features prints from the Artists for Kids Trust collections - prints that are not available for sale anywhere but through the Trust. The artists include Jack Shadbolt, Roz Marshall, Bill Reid, Takao Tanabe, Joe Fafard and more. It is a unique offering, perfect for giving to anyone with an interest in art.

Approximately 500-700 teachers who educate children from grades one through twelve attend this annual conference. It offers participants a chance to navigate through new ideas and techniques which can enhance the classroom experience.

The revised guidelines, which became effective Sept. 2, are based on the Income Tax Act, which charities must adhere to in order to be registered and qualify for tax benefits. The guidelines outline the types of political activities prohibited by charities, how much charities can spend on permitted political activities and how CCRA distinguishes between a charitable and political activity.

The guidelines adjust the amount of money charities can spend on advocacy. Previously, all charities could spend no more than 10 percent of their revenue.

The new rules vary the percentage depending on a charity's income:

• charities with less than $50,000 in annual income can spend
  20 percent on advocacy,
  
• charities with $50,000 to $100,000 in annual income can spend
  up to 15 percent,
  
• charities with $100,000 to $200,000 in annual income can spend
  up to 12 percent,
  
• and charities with annual income of more than $200,000 can spend
  up to 10 percent.

The Arts Council is showing works of over 17 local artists in the older "Pepper Pot" cafe. This exhibition is a great place to pick up a unique Christmas gift. They have a wonderful selection of framed and unframed paintings, sculptures in wood, aluminium and pottery. This event runs until December 31st. The Gallery is at Coronation Mall, # 11 - 370 Trans Canada Hwy, Ladysmith, BC. Hours: Sunday 1 pm to 4 pm; Monday to Thursday 1 pm to 5 pm, Friday 12 pm to 8 pm and Saturday: 12 pm to 5 pm.

For further information: contact Roberta Barber: 250-245-0668, Len Harrison: 250-245-0936 or Bonnie Cruickshank 250-245-5937.