30 — Sunday, October 11, 1992 - North Shore News HELP’S AT Hand, by North Shore Community Services (NSCS), is a forum for discussing government policies and programs, benefits, consumer and legal rights, taxation and public services. Answers are intended only as a general guide and should not be applied to individual cases without further consultation. Question: A long time ago I had some trouble paying off a car loan, but I eventually managed to clear that up and pay it in full. My situation is a lot more stable now. I am steadily employed in a well-paying job and 1 would like to borrow money again. I'm afraid to ask for a loan, however, because I’ve heard that you never lose a bad credit histo- ry. Is this true? Can I ever clear myself of that record? Answer: You say that your fi- nancial troubles occurred a long time ago. If you mean that it was more than six years ago, you could be in a fortunate position. Under B.C.’s Credit Reporting Act, a credit-reporting agency is not allowed to keep negative fi- nancial information about indi- viduals for more than six years. This also applies to bankrupt- cies that were legally completed more than six years ago. Second bankruptcies, however, can be reported for a much longer time. What usually happens after you have asked for money from a fi- OPTIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS THE FOLLOWING is a selection of volunteer opportunities avail- able through North Shore Com- munity Services (NSCS). AN INDEPENDENT and strong-minded senior requires a ‘friendly volunteer escort to ac- company her to Park Royal Shopping Centre and a nearby restaurant. The senior is alert, but needs assistance getting in and out of taxis. The hours are limited and training and orientation will be provided. VOLUNTEERS who know how to play bridge and are interested in sharing time with some elderly individuals are needed to spend two hours a week with some seniors who enjoy the game. Vol- unteers may be asked to play bridge or just act as hosts. Orien- tation and training will be provid- AN UNDERSTANDING and patient volunteer is needed to be a companion to a young woman who is mentally challenged. The volunteer will share social and recreation time with the woman during hours that will be arranged mutually. Training and orientation will be provided. VOLUNTEERS with cars are needed to take people with limited mobility on outings once a week during the day. The hours are flexible and orientation will be provided. AN ELDERLY lady would en- joy visits from a volunteer on a regular basis. This senior suffers from bouts of depression and re- quires a patient, gentle and loving person who will listen to her and help get her mind on happier things. The hours are flexible and training and orientation will be provided. SPECIAL-CARE volunteers are needed to spend time on a regular basis, in one-to-one situations or in group programs, with elderly residents who have special needs. Some residents are very confused and may suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other related disorders. Volunteers are needed two to three hours a week, in the after- . noon or evening. Training and orientation will be provided. If you are interested in volun- teering call 985-7138. nancial institution is that they will investigate your credit rating. They will sometimes do this by asking private reporting agencies or credit bureaus for information about your credit record. These agencies have access to your credit history and they will be able to state whether loans have been paid on time in the past. Lenders can only see your file if you have granted your written Give yourself a big hand. Before you lift a finger to renovate or consent, or if they notify you in writing that they will be getting a credit report. The agency will also make sure that whoever is asking for your credit information has a good reason to see your file. This could include a potential landlord or employer as well as lenders. As we have said, information more than six years old should not be on file. There are cericin other facts that reporting agencies are redecorate, visit the B.C. Fall Home Show first. You'll find this year’ Show bigger than ever, offering you the widest selection of products so you don’t have to drive from shop to shop. You'll get all the expert help and advice you need, free for the asking. You'll find hun- dreds of ways to improve on your home improvement, and even save money while you're at it. For great ideas, don’ Ss t miss the Kitchen & Bath HELP’S AT HANI not allowed to keep. These include information about criminal charges against you, unless you were found guilty, or information on your race, col- or, ethnic origin, religion, or po- litical affiliation. You are allowed to know any- thing a credit reporting agency keeps on file about you. To make an appointment with a_ credit bureau (listed under Credit Reporting Agencies in The Yellow Pages). If you find incorrect in- formation in your file, you can ask that it be corrected. Complaints or inquiries regard- ing the Credit Reporting Act or your credit record shouid be ad- dressed to: Registrar of Reporting Agencies, 1019 Wharf St., Vic- toria, B.C., V8V 1X4, This column is prepared with financial assistance from the Notary Foundation. For more in- formation call NSCS at 985-7138. Showcase or the Home Renovations Theaire. Don’t miss Shell Busey at the B.C.Hydro Home Ideas Show — he'll let you in on all ... the tricks of the trade, including how a to make your home more energy- ayo, &. efficient. But the Home Show is not all work. Ther: are stage shows, cooking demonstrations, great .contesis and so much more. The B.C. Fall Home Show. You can’t beat it for a good time and great results. Thursday, October 15: Friday, October 16: Saturday, October 17: Sunday, October 18: PRICES: Adults Seniors ($3 on Friday) Children (6-12 yrs.) Children (Under 6) Family Rate (Max. 2 Adults) 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. 10 a.m. — 10 p.m. 10 a.m. — 10 p.m. 10 a.m. ~7 p.m. $7.00 $6.00 $1.25 Free $ 15.00 NOTE: Prices include G.S.T.