PAGE 10, WHffY PME PRESS. WEDNESDAY. MAY 3. 1989 They bringthe outside world insid By Tamara K. Downes For more than 40 years Osh- awa's Dan and Veronica Parker have shared their lives in mar- - nage, and for the past five years, they've shared that love and care with patients at the Whitby Psy- chiatric Hospital. Members of the hospital's Volunteer Association, they spend mucli of their time lending a friendiy hand. The purpose behind the asso- ciation "is te provide extra sup- port te staff and the patients,' says Joanne Ashiey, acting vo unter coordinater. Mucli needed, she says, is the extraordinary care that a volun- teer can provide as they see patients in a different liglit. "In a place like this we try te bring the outside world, inside,» saysDan Parker. The atintsfeel the difference as they recogmize the volunteers as their friends with whom they ma spend time with. "reaily, truly think, that it helps the patients," says Parker. There are 25 volunteer pro- grams, ranging from "one-to-one" to a lending library. Volunteers May work directiy or indirectiy with patients. Provided by the association is a social tea which offers patients a pleasant atmosphere in which to, listen te music and enjoy the afternoon with friends. The Good Luck Shop offers the patients a range of donated dlo- thing and jewelry. The shop is arranged like a regular store and operated by volunteers. There is also a. library where patients can borrow books. It is an incredibly well-stocked libr- ary" and "well-run" by the volun- teers, say Ashley and Parker. In the one-to-one program, volunteers keep company with patients. There are recreational facilities where patients can play floor hockey or swim. Volunteers also host catrpentry shops and craft sessions for patients, and welcome the senior citizens' choir of Oshawa and the St. Mark's Church choir of Whitby te their choir evenings. Once- a month, community churches hoid comxnunity meais for patients. Foliowing the meai, the host church provides enter- tainment sucli as sing-a-longs or «V4colunteers putî in an ounce of effort and get back a pud of satisfaction," says Parker. He Sweater sale ARLENE GUIn-DON, secretary for the Whitby Psychi- atrie Hospital's Volunteer Association, models one of the sweaters at the association's sweater sale held recently to raise funds for programs at the hospital. Fre. Preus photo Whitby Psychiatric Hospital Association Purpose volunteers provide extra support to staff and patients. Fundraising.- gift shop, sweater sales, cheese sales; proceeds go to patient programs. Members: 112 volunteers. Contact Person: Joanne Ashley 668-5881. puts in about two days a week with the patients and describes the grounds as "a second home." 'We really appreciate volun- teers," says Ashiey, and to show that, the association is holding an appreciation dinner on May 5 for ail volunteers. Volunteer work has been going on at the psychiatrie- hospital for more than 20 years. There was once a very active candy stripers program, but now volunteers must be 16 years of age or older te help out. Offered te volunteers is an educational prograin to give them some background on what they will be deaig with. This component is not necessary fbr the volu nteer. «We would like to see it grow into a guidance program," says Parker, addin that recruitment of ounger volunteers can also take place through local high schools. The main focus in fundraising is the small but well-stocked gift shop. This stere is manned by volunteers and usually open bet- ween 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.1 On April 27, volunteers held a sweater sale in the administ- ration building. They also sel cheese once a year. The association, as well, holds an annual volunteer dance. Money raised from ail these events go to patient -programs that are run by the hospialsuch as the recreational and voca- tional programs. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Ashiey at 668-5881. "We're aiways looking for volunteers,» she says. Drug and alcohol info uine for parents, teens Parents and teenagers acres s Ontario can now listen te young persona talc about drug ana alcohol abuse through the Addiction Research Foundation' (ARP') Drug and Alcohol Information ILine. The tolI-free, confidential telephone service offers more than 60 audio tapes with information about drugs and alcohol based on ARF research. The Addiction Research. Foundation has produced four new "straiglit talketapes that let -young persons do the talkring. 'We believe it's important te listen te teenagers," says Lary HersMfeld, directer -of ARfsl prevention and health promotion programNxb 'We asked kcida te tell us in their own words how they deal with peer pressure te try drugs, and what they see as alternatives te druga." Two of the tapes offer advice te parents. 'Research shows there's a real gap between what the parents are saying and what the Ids are hearing," says Hershfield. "Approimately 80 per cent of parents say they are tallcng with their kids about drugs, but only about 40 per cent ofkidds agree. "The Drug and Alcohol Information Line is a perfect example of researchi and education working together to promote a healthy lifestyle. We invite parents and teenagers te listen te, the messages. The more people know about drugs and alcohol, the easier it is for them te choose a healthy lifestyle." The Drug and Alcohol Information Une operates from 9 a.m. te 9 p.m., seven days a week. Callers can also confidentially asic for information on -treatment facilities in their area. To use the service, dial 595-6111 in Toronto or 1-800-387-2916 toll-free anywhere in Canada. Trhe Addiction Researchi Foundation is an agency of the Province of Ontario. Assoceiation for Community Living seks voluntoers The Oshawa and District Association for Community Living prvdes support te children and adults who are developmentally handicapped. Volunteers are required te, assist ini the following areas: 1) 12-year-old boy requires assistance on Saturdays while attending activities at Eastview Boys & Girls Club. Hfis Parente are more than willing te assist in training. Male volunteer preferred, but not a requirement. 2) Female volunteer required te, assist in providing one-te-one support te an individual. This te, include increasing comxnunity outings and be a role model for appropniate behavior in the community. 3) Volunteers with hobbies and interests in swimming, bowling, doing puzzles, going te movC3s, shopping, knitting, ceramies, should caîl. We will match you with someone who lias similar interests. 4) Enricli a young boy's life by becoming bis friend. This young man enjoys going for walk in bis neighborhood, playing games and reading. A match from someone in bis neighborhood (Park Rd. and Phullip Murray) would ba of benefit tn both. .5) Membershxp secretary required te as"st with keeping membership data up-teo-date, assisting with preparation of membership meetings, etc. Person would be required for about five hours a week Cail te set up an appointniant. For further information, cali Suzanne Burton at 675-3011.