Youths wanting to lend a helping hand can now pick up an application for the 2011/2012 Candy Striper program.
Program manager Deb Henderson said they are looking for both male and female students ages 13 to 18 to volunteer their time – two hours a week — from October to April — at the Lodge on Fourth.
“There is a definite need at the lodge for candy stripers,” Henderson said. “And the lodge is so pleased to have them.”
Candy stripers, known for their traditional red and white striped uniforms, provide crucial social support for seniors living in care. Whereas once candy stripers were assigned to porter and feed patients, that time is now spent painting fingernails, reading out loud, making cards and other social activities.
“A lot of the candy stripers will visit people that don’t get a lot of visitors, and they can help them with little tasks they want done… whatever the residents want,” Henderson said.
Not only does candy striping provide students with the mandatory volunteer hours required for school, it is also good experience and a way for those considering a career in the medical field to get a feel for what they might be up against in the future, Henderson explained.
“It gives the girls a feeling of community, that they’re doing something for their community,” she said. “And it inspires more confidence in young women.”
“They’re very mature for their age.”
In addition to those benefits, there are two $4,000 bursaries available to high school graduating students who are planning to pursue an education in the medical field and have completed two years of the candy striping program.
“A lot of universities call me for references for those that put it on their college application,” Henderson said. “And it does look really good on a resume.”
The applications are available from the guidance department of Ladysmith Secondary School and the Auxiliary Thrift Store. Completed applications must be submitted before the deadline of September 29.
“We had a great group of candy stripers last year, and I’d like to invite them all to participate again,” Henderson said.
For more information, contact Deb at 245-2946.
