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PAGE 16, WH[TBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MAY il, 1988 Serviïce provides reli*ef to parents of handicea1plped By BRENDAN REINBOLDT The* MacMullans of Whitby are one of 183 natural famiies in the Durham Region who are provided with volunteers offered through the Durham Association for Family Respite Services. For the last three years the rvacMuîans have been provided with respite care for their four-year-old daughter Jennifer. "I live for those eight hours a mon- th,"ý says mother Judy MacMullan, when her daughter is in the care of the volunteer family.' "Most people do flot fully realize the stress that is part of caring for a handicapped child. Those eight hours give me time just to relax. " MacMullan explains that the ser- The Durham Region YMCA offers a wide variety of summer camps that will appeal to any child. For the artistic chi]d, creative arts offers an intense, programn of drama, dance, crafts and music. For the athlete, there is baseball, floor hockey, canoeing and the many activities of sports camp. Day camps ofl'er a programi of camping skills and overnights as well as games and crafts. Riding vice gives her a littie time to spend' with their son Stephen, adding that, "Jennifer really enjoys staying with the volunteer family, and once she tried to hutry me out the door saying 'Bye Mom! By Mom!"1 The Durham Association for Family Respite Services has been in existence since 1978, providing relief for families with developmen- tally or physically handicapped children. Though the project has been in existence for more than 10 years, its services still remain unknown in Durham Region. "In order to receive more volun- teers, we have to raise public awareness,"y says the program's camp oflers a program for not only the experienced but the novice equestrian as well. Little ones will experience their first camping fun through co-operative- play, game interaction and special activities. This camp is designed to meet the needs of children aged 2-1/2 - 5. Cail the Durham Region YMOA at 668-6868 for registration or further information on camps. public relations director Debby Blucher. Relief is provided in a warm and caring atmosphere in the home of the host familyi An area co- ordinator for the program chooses a hogt family that the co-ordiniator feels the child will fit best into STEPHEN and JENNIFER, part of the MacMullan family, one of 183 natural familles in Durhami Region receiving respite care services. FreePress photo without disrupting the routine of the family. "The child fits into the home as if he or she was a member of the family," says theMacMullan's area co-ordiator Nancy McAlpirie. The placement with a hiost family allows the child to interact socially, and to develop new friendships and <relationships within the home. The families receiving help are flot the only who benefit from the service, the volunteers also gain fro m the experience. For those volunteers with children there is a development of a positive attitude towards handicap- ped people. "The children of volun teers learn how to act in the presence of a han- dicapped person, " says MacAlpine. Along with a personal satisfac- tion, the opportunity allows the volunteers te gain knowledge about the special needs of handicapped in- dividuals. "There are normal people that the agency provides training for. Sometimes I wonder why people would want to volunteer for something like that. The volunteers should really be admired for what they do," says MacMullan. The agency has 51 natural families on its waiting list in Durham Région. Last year the program provided mnore 40,000 hours of respite care. The Durham Association for Family Relief Services has 72 volun- teer relief fàmilies. It isstilfl ôoking for volunteers interested in providing care for handicapped in- dividuals. wi1ITBY donald m. chekaluk sales 'epresentalve The decision to move is not an easy one requiring careful thought, timing and professional Iinformation regarcing present market conditions Canada wide and in your neighbourhood. With over 10 years of combined experience in real estate sales, appraisals & mortgage lending I feell can supply quaified answers to ail your real estate questions. For a private in home consultation please contact Don Chekaluk at Remax Summit Reality. 668-3800. Feature Homie - Location 2- storey ail brick 4 bdrm. executive home built by one of the most reputable bufders in the Durham Region. Located within walking distance to the Downtown core an>d the only public french immersion school in Whitby. To view this home please contact: Don Chekaluk at 686-3800 Rasm 666-1160 KP C/PY CEN RES *Colour Copies *Print Service *Fax Service Office Supplies *Cerlox Binding *Stapling 430-3700 209 Dundas St. East, Whitby Mon. - Fr1. 8:30-5:30 Saturday 9:30-4:30 Weare introducing our Durhamn Country Dining Room Set. This unique set is now available at 15% off. Visit Wellers and sec our fine selection of furnifture and gifts. 114 Dundas St., East (entranoe off Perry St.) 683-1800 GL DEN GAI E HINESE FOO D BUFFET DAILVY (Salad Bar Included) ]BIG FEAST ]EN LITTLE CHINA (more than 50 items te choose from for dinner) Dine in and take away service. G10 BOC S. .,WHITBY i~utxi.s~e ~ ~~VUI2~~s $ 4 S ~ $~ b~t~L# t~s4 è.Cèi..s 'e t' ~'~'~s s e 4*s ~ w-i s i. ès Vari"ety of summer Y camps offered- Men's Cut & Style SPRING SPECIAL $800o with this ad!l REG. $13.00 CuT &DRY HaAfISALON 116 Athol Stireet (across from Brewer's Retai) Whitby 668-0891