6 - The Canadien Camin Friday, June 25, 1999 SCOMMENT Not bad for 132 years old Next Thursday Canada tumns 132 years old, young as countries go, although given the pace of events in Europe over the past decade there are many much less senior. But, especially at this time, there may not be many that offer as much promise as Canada. There's a lot to celebrate on July 1. The economy is performing briskly, the nation has been at peace for two generations and the threat of break-up from Quebec has abated. The Toronto Maple Leafs look like contenders again. After wrenching changes through the late 1980s and into the middle of this decade, the country seems to be on track in terms of offering promise for those willing to work hard. Though many would cail it a less benevolent state, at least a path has been chosen and largely adhered to, and the cadence is in tune with much of the rest of the western world. Canada remains a point of ethical reference for many other nations, in such areas as peacekeeping. The latest evidence of that came when Syria, carlier this week, asked for Canadian peacekeepers on the Golan Heights if and when negotiations with Israel over the strategi- cally vital tract bear fruit. Most of the squabbles in this country -- and they by and large are that when set in the context of other people's difficulties -- are like family arguments. In a nice family. The kind you want next door. OFOUM~ IQJFUD O UR READERS WRITE Debora's HmmCalIîng ail students - volunteering Thanks for ail the support, everyone wîhAle ndl ra a ogo Dear Editnr: flic Oakville, Mitoniandistict Real Estate Board held is Annual Golf Tourneastet and Ditiner ai Richview Golf and Country Club June 10. flac whole day was a lot of fun aaid an wiqaaalified succcss - a culmination of the gencrous efforts of tlhc real catate board's maaiy dedicatcd volunfeers and organizers. We at Joycc Scott Non-Profit Homcs Inc. (an orgiiztioe mmittedi o indc- pendent living for adults with physical disabilltica) are fthe veny grateful beniefi- cianies of fthe fournamntt aand dinner. We Offer Our sincere appreciatioa to participants, organizers, volunteers and other contributors - ail of whomt helpcd make this event meanomble and enjoyable. On behaif of Joyce Scott Non-profit Homes ic., 1 thank the Oalcvilk, Milton ad District Real Est Board for ils kind suapport. morteia wl Joyce Seo#t Non-Profit Hfornes Ic. THE CAvAwiLV CHAMIPION Box 248, 191 Main St. E, The Camdlan Champion, publlsfled every Tuesday and Fretay Milton, Ont. L9T 4N9 et 191 Main St. E., Milton, Ont., L9T 4N9 (Bot 248), ts one of The Metrolanid Frinting, Fablishing & Distributing Ltd. group of tub- Q~Q~2A1 rban companies wbich incttdes: Ajax / Pickering News (905) 878-2341I Advertiser; Atliston fferatd/Courier; Barrie Advance; Brampton Guardian; Burlington Fost; City Parent; Collingwood / Wasaga Editorial Fax: 878-4943 Connection; East Yerk Mirrer, Etobicoke Guardian; Georgetown lndependentl Acten Fret Press; Kingston This Week; Lindsay This Advcrtising Fax: 876-2364 Week; Marlcham Ecenomist & Sas; Midland / Fenetanguishene Classified: 875-3300 Mirror; Mississanga News; Newmarket I Aurora Era Banner; Northumberland News; North York Mirror; Oakville Beaver; Orillia Ian Oliver Publisher Today; Oshawa I Whtby / Clarington I Port Ferry This Week; Peterborough This Week; Richmond Hill I Thornhill I Vaughan Nei[ Oliver A.esaciate Pablisher Liberal; Scarboroogh Mirror; Uxbridge / Stoaffville Tribune; Bill Begin General Maînager Today's Seniors. Rob Klly Eitor Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event ofIt Rob Klly Eitartypographical errer, Ibat portion ot the advertioing space occe- Steve Crozier Circulation Manager pied by the errofleous item, togethei with o reasonable allowance Teri Cass 011ce Manager for signature, wili sot be charged for. bot tht balance ot the advertisement wiIl be paid for et tht applicable rate. The peblisher Tîm Cotes Prouctioe Manager reserves the rlght f0 categorize advertisements or dectine. Dear Editor: At you know, Allendale is a long-term-care facility oerving those of our citizens who are no longer able to live at home. Residents of Allendale are able to participate in a wide variety of activities and outings arranged by the hard-working recreation staff and students. They're also able to take advantage of an excellent hair- dressing salon, or receive the ser- vices of a restorative therapist. Residents live in either Martin Houoe or the main building, and may participate in smaîl or large group activities. However, many of them need assistance in order f0 get the Most enjoyment out of the programs, and that assistance often comnes in the form of dedicated volunteers who comne in oncea week f0 help. With the advent of siumer, we are seeing a number of our regular volunteers, aduits and students both, who will be Ieaving uo for summer vacations. At the samne time, we have a busy summer schedule, with ail kinds of activities planned for residents. In order to meet their needs, we're starting up the Summer Student Volunteer Program, for students age 13 years and over who aren't working. We're asking for a commitmnent of six hours a day, Monday to Friday, lfor a minimum of three weeks. In retum, we will train the volunteers in a variet y of settings, provide lunch every day, and pre- sent a certificate of participation and a reference letter to each stu- dent. Gerontology ks a career field that's going to grow enormously in the upcoming years, especially as the so-called 'Baby Boomers' age. Allendale can provide a window into a wide variety of career paths for young people. For those who are unable to commit f0 such an intense period, but would stili like to volunteer some time, we have a few shifts on a once-a-week-for- eight-weeks basis. We are extremely lucky to, have a lot of dedicated and Ioving volun- teers who give so generously of their time. But like everyone, they need a break. So we're hoping that this new programn wiIl be not only a wonderful leamning opportunity for young people, but also serve as a lormn of appreciation of the bard work done by our regular volun- teers, by alfowing them to take a break. We're hoping that thîs new pro- grain wili provide the means for them to do jusf that. Il« anyone would like to know more, they can cal me at 878-414 1, ext. 8025. Anthea Hoare, coordinator Volunteer resources Allendale Pud .by Steve Nease