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Whithy Fme Pms, Wednesday, November 24,1993, Page 5 om e, CAJUL ation uJLtiqau m closmr of Nffiitby dw»_c St. John à= suits The Whitby office of St. John Ambulance has been losed down as part of a restructuring to turn the service into a Durham Region branch. Both the Whitby and Ajax offices were closed down as the Durhamn service is now operated fromn the Oshawa office, after changes initiated at the provin- cial level of St. John. Under the amalgamation of the three locations, the Whitby facility, at 1517 Dundas St. E., will stili be used for local resi- dents taking St. John courses. But the c anges also mean the layoff of six people at the Whitby and - Ajax branches, mncluding Whitby executive director Shir- le y Spicer wh' bhas been invol- ved withtle service for 14 years. Spicer's job ends June 10, 1994, but se says the amalga- mation of the three branches into one, larger region branch «can't be an hig but positive for Dur- ham r*gon." "After 14 years, it really pulls at the heartstrings,» she says. "ýBut it's aise a positive move. To cope with stress one of the best ways te cepe with stress is te talk about it - and Distress Centre Durhami will previde a listening ear. Distress Centre volunteers can help. The centre has 22 years of experience. Cali 433-1121. Most of iny energy will go inte amalagamation.» "One-sto»p shopping is the way it's ging, she says of the deci- sien te have one office only. Spicer says 28 courses were held each* month in WVhitby, but that number will likely increase under the new structure. Among the new courses planned te begin next year are a drug abuse course, advanced firat aid and wilderness first aid. Spicer also notes that the Wlutby and Ajax branches were losing money. «Our bifffest fear is the com- munitiesw;ill think we're pulling eut. Were net,» says Spicer. «We are net deserting them. If anything, it will be botter than in thepfast." Vhby branch, 425 division, was formed ini April 1963, with a budget of $2,000 te, meet the needs of volunteers. A Whitby St. John cadet/crusa- der group, 409 divisien, was for- Fer 22 years, the branch and divisions were at the Centennial Buildinlg on Centre Street Seuth. In ecember of 1985 the branch opened an office and smnailllassroem in a 1,000- scauare-foot storefront at 110 Ash A part-timie executive director was bired in October of 1986. The budget for 1986 was $18,000. In January 1987 the branch facility was expanded by 1,000 square foot. The branch replaced the exist- ing mobile first aid post and aclded a used ininistry vehicle. A 24-foot trailer was purchased from the bingo fund. mAM S In July 1990, the branch I r NE AsrE AEnYMArR moved to the larger facility -- 6,000 square foot -- at 1517 Dunas S. E., with four class- 18 okfsS u htyV 6617 rooma, two offices, more parking eapacty and more sterage. M t o 10 W ol Iu Teannual budget for 1992 Wit r.U7 hl uir was $197,000. Incorne came from donations of $45,000, a United Way contribution of $30,000, J ZS E L $105 000, sales of $10,000O and OL founâation fuýdngof $18 00. raised through events. 3 9e There were 45 niembers in 425DO division, 40 members in the 409 28 cadet division, and 16 volunteers Rgarht29 niaking up the board. :el hct28 Ini addition to the executive Lhnlt 3 dozn per custoier director, office manager and a Offeî expires besdllay, .Novmber 30, 1993 part-time receptionist, there was one fuil-time instructor and 15 part-tine instrictors. Save Now on the Outstanding Canadian Craftsmanship of Gibbard Dining Room, SBedroom or Living Room Fumniture. IF r L ATTENTION ALL AEROBICS STUDIO MEMBERSOI Europeau Women's Heafth Club has a special offer for all members of The Aerobics Studio Please drop in or call Ewopem Womens Hae, Ctt4b 1121 Dundas St. E., Whitby (S.W. corner of Hopkins & Dundas) 666-4540 %f %