The Etobicoke Guardian

The kits have been banned in Canada since 1973 because of safety concerns that children may inhale vapours from the solvents used to blow the balloons.

They consist of a solvent in a tube with one or more plastic straws for dipping into the tube and blowing balloons or bubbles.

In extreme cases, children could experience symptoms of central nervous system depression or dysfunction, which may include euphoria, hallucinations, dizziness and poor coordination of movements.

In the long run, they could experience more serious symptoms such as muscular twitching, unconsciousness and even coma.

Health Canada inspectors removed more than 1,500 kits from the CNE fairgrounds on Aug. 20. The toys were confiscated from three booths inside the fair's international pavilion area. They are identified as Products of the Philippines.

An unknown quantity of the prohibited toys may have been sold from Aug. 15 to 20.

No injuries have been reported to Health Canada in regards to the recently sold kits.

Anyone with concerns can e-mail cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca or call 1-866-662-0666.

"A school should be a place where a kid can go and feel at home," Det. Larry Straver, co-ordinator of Toronto Crime Stoppers, said in a news release. "We want students to realize we understand what they're going through, that we've been there and show them that there are options available to them that can help make their school environment a safer place for everyone."

There are three ways to send anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers: by talking (call 416-222-TIPS), by typing (online at www.222tips.com) and by texting (text TIP312 and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Humber College officials told The Guardian last week that college would remain open despite the looming strike.

Full details of the tentative agreement have not yet been released, but workers can expect an annual pay increase of three per cent over the next three years. A vote by the OPSEU membership is expected in the near future.

It is the first electric utility in Canada to offer its own on-site CFL recycling program. As part of its conservation efforts, Toronto Hydro has been encouraging customers to switch to the energy-efficient bulbs. They do, however, contain a small amount of mercury that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. By retiring old bulbs to a dedicated Toronto Hydro CFL recycling program location, the utility will ensure 98 per cent of each bulb is recycled, diverting waste and hazardous materials from landfills.

The components of the used CFL bulbs, including glass, aluminium and brass, will be separated and recycled. Toronto Hydro will use pollution protection technologies to ensure the mercury vapour and phosphor powder in each bulb stays out of landfills.

Switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to CFLs is a simple step people can take to become more energy efficient as they save up to 75 per cent in electricity consumption costs and last up to five years.

CFL recycling program drop-off locations are in the main lobby of Toronto Hydro's locations at 14 Carlton St. and 5800 Yonge St. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the future, the program could be expanded to additional locations in the city.

Visit www.torontohydro.com/cflrecycling for details about the CFL recycling program.

Founded in Toronto in 1997, Dragons Abreast is a dragon boat team made up of 100 breast cancer survivors ranging in age from 30 to 80. Its mission is to raise public awareness of breast cancer and to send a message of hope to those physically and emotionally affected by breast cancer.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, Etobians Anne Dello and Nikki Hulin will be two of 18 Dragons Abreast members taking part in the 6th Annual Jones New York and Dragons Abreast Fashion Show. The event benefits Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, a growing network of centres across Canada that provide support, information and coping skills programs - at no charge - to individuals and families facing cancer.

In addition to the fashion show and a cocktail party, there will also be a raffle, featuring prizes including a one-year fitness membership and six personal training sessions valued at $1,997; a handmade 18 kt white gold and pearl necklace valued at $1,550; and a $1,000 Jones New York Wardrobe, among others. Raffle tickets are available in advance as well as at the door and cost three for $10.

There will also be an auction for the use of a Volvo Cross-country for a week, 2 nights at The Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain, a dinner for two at Azzurra Trattoria and a round of golf at the Georgian Bay Club, as well as balloon pops - guaranteeing a prize in every balloon - at the event for $5 each or three for $10.

The event takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 17, on the eighth floor of The Arcadian Court, The Bay, 401 Bay St.

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6 p.m. followed by a fashion show at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are $60 each until Sept. 1 (after which they increase in price to $75 each), and are available through Wellspring at 416-961-1928.