A22 www.bclocalnews.com /bc_north Friday, February 15, 2013 The Northern Connector
Variety Club steps up to assist a Terrace teenager By Staff Reporter
The Northern connector
TERRACE - When this year’s version of the Annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon takes to the airwaves on Global BC TV Feb. 16 and 17, there will be a Terrace connection. Alahna Loefndorf was born without sweat glands and so must have her body temperature regulated or she can suffer from fits or convulsions. Variety has stepped up by providing financial assistance to buy a Stay Cool Vest which is designed to lower body core temperature for those affected by climates or medical conditions. Combining with Thermo tek technology with advanced textile materials, the cooling vests are not simply wearable ice packs. Instead the vests are engineered body cooling systems that fit your size, mobility and lifestyle needs. Alahna’s condition is called anhidrosis which is explained as the inability to perspire. Failure to perspire may result in heat stroke or, in the case of a fever, develop a temperature so high it causes a febrile seizure. Either scenario could prove deadly. Alahna, now 16, was born with the condition
and coped with its restrictions by having her hair wet down and body cooled down with spray bottles. Acquiring the vest has improved her ability to be more mobile. “I don’t have to wear it as much in the winter, but in the summer I do when it gets warm,” said Alahna. Mother Sandra Loehndorf says Alahna’s inability to perspire extends to not having any saliva and not being able to generate a normal amount of tears from her tear ducts. And when they tried to move to Alberta, Alahna’s feet and lips cracked because of the drier climate. “It was much easier to live in Terrace because of the coastal climate,” said Sandra. Sandra applied to the Variety club for assistance upon the suggestion of a friend. “I had heard they could provide help,” she said. Amongst Variety’s many projects, the Show Of Hearts Telethon stands as its signature event. Every year, since 1965, viewers come back to watch internationally renowned entertainers and, of course, the wonderful stories of families who have been helped by Variety. In return they show their hearts and give
generously, donating almost $7 million last year. Over 1.5 million people tuned in to Global BC in 2012, making it one of the most successful telethons to date. The Telethon owes its success to the thousands of organizations, individuals and professionals who volunteer their time to make it the best show in town. “We know that the people of BC love Variety,” says Bernice Scholten, Variety’s Executive Director. “But we also know that, despite that dedication, many people are still not exactly sure
Exports do well By Staff Reporter
The Northern connector
VICTORIA - Statistics Canada released yearend export figures for 2012 recently. British Columbia exported $31.7 billion worth of goods last year, recording sizable increases to China and India, two key markets as the province looks to diversify and expand markets for its products. Exports to China, British Columbia’s second-largest trading partner after the United States, increased to $6 billion, up by 16.4 per cent compared to 2011. Exports to India increased by 59.8 per cent versus 2011, to $321 million. A sharp rise in housing starts and construction in the United States late last year also resulted in a 1.8 per cent increase in B.C. exports across the border, with wood products up 25.4 per cent to bring the 2012 total to $14.2 bil-
lion. Exports to Japan and Korea did fall off.
of what it is that we do, since we offer support in so many ways. Watching the Telethon helps remind everyone of where their donor dollars go – to the children of this province who have special needs. All the money raised in BC stays in BC and goes to the families and organizations who need our help.” The Telethon is famous for featuring performances by international stars. This year’s lineup of talent includes Adele: Live at the Royal Albert Hall; Rhianna’s concert in Manchester, including a behind-the-
d belate HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY from
scenes documentary of life on the road with the superstar; Paul McCartney: Chaos and Creation at Abbey Road; Justin Bieber, an exclusive interview and intimate set in London; and Mi-
chael Bublé at Madison Square Garden. At its core, the Telethon is all about raising money. Every year more families turn to Variety for help, and the more
money that is raised, the more that need is met. Children who have special needs are given the opportunity to walk, speak, hear, and learn for the first time in their lives.
Go Green and Save! Join other small businesses across B.C. who are saving money and reducing energy use by participating in the LiveSmart BC Small Business Program. A Business Energy Advisor will help you identify opportunities for energy reductions with lighting & hot water, apply for incentives and connect with contractors to complete upgrades. Gary Rysavy is the Business Energy Advisor for the North West region, from the Queen Charlottes Islands to Burns Lake. To find out more about the program or to book your FREE assessment, email Gary at
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On Tuesday 19 February the new traffic light system at the intersection of Smelter Site Road and the KMP Construction Village will begin flashing for a trial period of ten days. The lights will flash green in a north/ south direction and flash red in the east/west direction requiring traffic leaving the West Parking Lot and the KMP Construction Village to come to a complete stop before moving out and onto smelter Site Road. On 1 March the traffic light system will be put into full service respecting the rush hours of plant shift changes. As always, Rio Tinto Alcan asks that you exercise extreme caution while traveling on our roads.
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