The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

12 The Clarington/Courtice Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, December 14, 1996 Parliamentary Notebook Alex Shepherd Durham MR It's said that over 30 per cent of Canada's children, from infants infants to age 10 live in poverty. Since we don't see children begging or sleeping on streets, many of us have a difficult time believing this figure could be so high. Some would even question if child poverty exists at all in this great country. Well it is here, disguised perhaps, perhaps, but never-the-less prevalent. prevalent. Facing Poverty To my way of thinking, poverty poverty may not even be the right work to describe some of the problems children in Durham are facing. But there are far too many examples examples of children going to school improperly fed and clothed. And if you don't want to call it poverty, it is certainly neglect. To a large extent, this neglect is driven by economic factors. Single mothers are trying to make ends meet and single fathers fathers too. Then there are the families who need both parents working just to make ends meet. Many of you probably know of some of these situations where both parents work long and staggered hours or are trying trying to get themselves in and out of Toronto. That commute adds hours on to a day and time becomes a premium. In some cases, the children go off to school on a diet of last night's pizza and a coke, or cookies and kool-aid. This is hardly nutrition, so you can see how the problem of neglect develops. develops. Obviously, most single parents parents and double income families families don't have the problem. But many more than we may think do. Researchers say these children children will have a tendency to drop out of school. Police will point out that these children have a higher incidence of breaking the law. It isn't a question of whether or not the community is going to get involved in this problem. It's at what stage. First of all, governments are not particularly good at dealing with the problem. Governments Governments take a mass approach, assisting through child tax credits and other forms of income income support. This doesn't do anything to foster good parenting skills and therefore resources don't get to the children who need the assistance. assistance. Canadians regard the family as sacrosanct. And so we should. But, at the same time, this creates barriers in dealing with some of the problems of child neglect. The truth of the matter is that communities have to deliver a more specific and caring approach approach to the issue. It is neighbours neighbours and in some cases community community caregivers and teachers who see the neglect. It's not the 9 to 5 bureaucrat. Head start programs which deliver nourishing meals is one way of dealing with the problem. problem. And the success of the clothes banks is a reflection of a problem that exists in our society. society. We have a tendency to romanticize romanticize the problem at this time of year, in part I guess, because of Charles Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol." But Dickens wasn't romanticizing. romanticizing. He was writing about something very real in his time. As Christmas approaches, perhaps we can take some time and reflect upon how we can support the neglected children in our community. Scott and Kelly, our Victorian couple, paid a visit to Skylight donuts where Karen Ruelland made sure it was the "Highlight of their Day". Skylight Donuts is not just donuts but many treats are available such as speciality cakes that can be made-to-order for any occasion. You can also enjoy delicious freshly-baked muffins, pies.as well as sandwiches and home-made soup. Skylight Donuts has three locations in Bowmanville to serve you. Their restaurant is located at Waverley Road and Baseline, as well as drive-through locations located beside their restaurant and at Liberty Street South and Baseline. Skylight Donuts Liberty Street South Waverley Road and Baseline at Baseline - 623-0230 Skylight Donuts ... Gold Reflections Illllillillii ;; ■ v : j, mmmm ||g§||§|§§§ wrnmmmi Wim lllllll illllll , i John and Pat Rekker are providing Scott and Kelly with a guided tour of their greenhouses which feature over 50,000 poinsettia plants as well as everything you need to decorate your home for the Christmas season. At Rekker Gardens, you'll find fresh and artificial Christmas trees, lots of decorations and hundreds of wonderful gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile on Christmas morning, Drop in to Rekker Gardens and enjoy the sights and smells of seasonal plants, flowers and foliage. Stumped for a gift idea? Gift certificates in any amount are available. Rekker Garden Galle 2258 Hwy. 2 at Maple Grove Telephone 623-2300 Rekker Gardens .. Scott and Kelly made a trip to Bowmanville Mall where they visited Gold Reflections. Pat Tompros, on the left and shop proprietor Marilyn Easby are showing our Victorian couple a small sample of their jewellery collection. You can choose from a large variety of chains, charms, bracelets and earrings as well as men's and ladies' watches priced as low as $12.95. New this Christmas are "My Blushing Bunnies" collectibles by Priscilla Hillman and for a unique gift idea, a musical coin bank. Visit Gold Reflections soon. They're open seven days a week and they'd love to see you! Bowmanville Mall Telephone 623-8164