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4 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, September 28, 1999 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Candy stripers Program teaches compassion, responsibility and teamwork By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star They talk to the patients, fill water jugs and bring drinks to the sick. At other times, they help keep equipment clean in the rehabilitation depart- ment, or assist with clerical duties at the hospital. After school, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. or 6:30 to 8 p.m. and mornings on the weekend, candy stripers freely give of their time and energy at Lakeridge Health in Port Perry. Just a month ago, it looked as though the candy striper program was doomed. After the two coordinators who had headed up the program resigned last month to devote their time toward other commitments, no one was left at the helm of the youth volunteer program that has been a valid part of the local hospital since its inception almost 30 years ago. : Enter Nelly Tiessen, Helen Campbell and Ann Florence, who have volunteered their time to ensure the candy striper program will continue. All three women are new to the program but, with the help of former coordinator Jeannie Muir, the transition has been made much easier. "It's good the kids get the exposure," said Mrs. Muir. "And the parents are always thrilled their kids are in the candy striper program, too." The program, sponsored by the Hospital Auxiliary, started at what was then known as Community Memorial Hospital in 1971. Beginning with four girls, the program quickly expanded to 19, and 24 were on a waiting list. Currently there are 20 girls actively registered as candy stripers, but there's always a need for more. For several years the auxiliary has presented a bursary to an OAC student plan- ning to continue education in the medical field. Graduates who have been candy stripers are often among the successful candidates. While Mrs. Tiessen works at Port Perry Pharmacy, volunteer work has been a big part of her life, too. "When my friend, Helen Campbell, told me the candy striper program was going to fold unless coordinators were. found I volunteered to do the job," she said. "It made me sad to think this valid program would fall by the wayside if no one was to take it over." Working with Mrs. Tiessen is Mrs. Campbell, who is employed in the hospital's health records department, and Ann Florence, assistant in the Foundation office, who serves as the staff liaison officer. "Their work mainly entails scheduling of the candy stripers, keeping track of their hours and providing on-site supervision while the girls are working. (It's not Just a volunteer program for girls; boys are welcome, too.) The youngest candidates accepted are "a mature 13 years of age", says Mrs. Florence. Applicants are also considered until they graduate from high school. Some students, even when they are home from university, still come back to volun- teer. Often, candy stripers go on to pursue nursing as a career. Such is the case with Alice Lee, one of the RNs currently on staff in Port Perry, who was one of the origi- nal four candy stripers in 1971. "I always wanted to be a nurse and, through my volunteer work as a candy striper, it gave me a good insight as to how a hospital is run," she said. Deena Larsen and Jill MacDonald, both 15, have been volunteers at the hospital in Port Perry for almost a year. Both say they are interested in going into the field of medicine. "I like being with the patients," said Jill. "And just being there to help out is great," added Deena. The patients think candy stripers are wonderful, too. Just ask Eva Nichols, a patient at the hospital: "The kids are sweet, so refreshing to see," she said. "And they are the hope of the future in the medical field." Candy stripers, recognizable by the red and white pinafore uniform worn over their regular street clothes, must pledge to keep their work done with the patients confidential. When a candy striper leaves, she is given a certificate stating the number of vol- love their work Deena Larsen, (left) and Jill MacDonald, enjoy their volunteer work as candy stripers at the hospital in Port Perry. Pictured with patient Eva Nichols, the two teens are part of the candy striper program that has been in existence since its inception in 1971. unteer hours she has accumulated, and a letter of appreciation on hospital letter- head that can be used as a job reference or for university entrance. Each December the candy stripers are recognized with a social evening at the hospital, complete with pizza and the presentation of 50 or 100-hour pins to those who have reached their goals. And this year the coordinators are hoping to present each new candy striper with a special volunteer pin. While there are five hospitals within the Lakeridge Health Corporation, the Port Perry hospital is the only site that still has candy stripers. "We are trying to keep candy striping the prestigious position it has always been and hope it opens many opportunities for the girls," said Mrs. Tiessen. "We aim to teach them about compassion, responsibility, teamwork and the rewards of a job well done. We hope to make a lasting impression and create some wonderful memories that will lead to a lifetime of volunteering and helping others." For those interested, applications can be obtained from the switchboard between 8am. -4 p.m. Folk Music Society has begun another season Folk Music Society on Saturday, Oct. 16. Toronto, writes music; teaches acoustic tech- Company later this fall. niques on guitar, banjo, mandolin and dulcimer; Toronto). venues across North America. g for Folk-Legacy Records of Sharon, 8351. Veteran Fielding plays Greenbank Borealis Recording Company artist. Rick Connecticut and has also appeared on albums for Fielding brings his expertise to the Greenbank such artists as Rita MacNeil, Grit Laskin and Mose Scarlett. Rick is preparing for the release : Rick Fielding, who currently resides in of his debut disc for the Borealis Recording | holding a Tupperware If anyone would like to Toy Lending Library holding a fundraiser On Thursday, Sept. 30 Tupperware, Discovery at 8 p.m. Scugog Toy Toys, Pampered Chef, Lending Library (STLL) is Party Lite and Jocus Toys. This One's The Dreamer i runs workshops on songwriting and professional by label mates Curly Boy Stubbs, Chris Whiteley, development for musicians; does custom leather Grit Laskin, Bill Garrett and Mose Scarlett. work; and hosts a popular folk music show, Other folk notables include Acoustic Workshop, on CIUT-FM (University of Harrison and Don Rooke. ; on 'Tickets for the show, at the Greenbank Hall, tA 26-year folk music veteran, Fielding is a are $16. Rob Lamothe will open the evening and crowd favourite at festivals and folk ~music Rick Fielding will take the stage at 9:15 p.m. : : For further information about this appearance Rick Fielding has recently completed record- and to purchase tickets, please call (905) 985- ncludes appearances Don Reed, Tim Party as a fundraiser. The party will be held in the basement snack room of the Port Perry United Church. Anyone wishing more information can contact Cynthia at 985-9923. On Thursday, Nov. 4, STLL is holding a home shopping night. Organizers hope to have a wide variety of companies there, such as know more about renting a table, organizers are looking for craft people too. Please contact Shari at 985-1393. STLL is a non-profit organization that operates as a drop-in and toy library center. The group meets Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the basement of Port Perry United Church.