One of North Vancouver's orig- inal modes of transport, Streetcar #153, is siated for restoration work by the North Shore Museum and Archives. Time has stripped the car of much of its former glory. But the museum wants to turn back time and needs the skilled assistance of a cabinet maker and woodworker to do the job. The volunteer for the job must be privy tu the intricacies of mor- tise and tenon, dovetail and lap joint techniques. “Not all volunteer requests are this unusual,’’ admits Kathy Dor- nan, publicist for the NSIVC. ‘But this is a perfect indication of the unique opportunities available to volunteers in this community.”’ In many minds, volunteering continues to carry the stereotypical reputation of hospital visits and envelope stuffing. ‘‘We don’t deny that those needs remain, and some people do prefer that type of work, but we want the public to know that a volunteer position can offer more,’ said Dornan. She says the service has fielded 777 volunteer inquiries and has made 574 volunteer referrals to various organizations to date this year. The figures stack up a hefty 40 per cent over and above last year's. Said Dornan: ‘‘Expo may have something to do with it, it may also be that we’re sending more consistent messages into the com- ~ munity.” The volunteer centre has over 200 requests for volunteers on file NEW LOCATION “RICHMOND |||: 71-8 ? ASIA ENS? NOSE SIE. EL SA at DIR TA EATERY ANSE SAG BENE VICI TES ed AHA TS a | UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY | Museum group desires streetcar restoration A STREETCAR with desire offers one of the more unique volunteering opportunities to roll through the offices of the North Shore Information and Volunteer Centre (NSIVC). By MICHAEL BECKER News Reporter at any given time, representing 120 organizations on the North Shore and several agencies elsewhere of- fering volunteering opportunities not available locally. The basic criteria for organiza- tions to participate in the service are that an agency be non-profit and that any volunteer positions filled should not displace paid per- sonnel. Among the more unusual open- ings listed in Dornan’s office are a position at a local scalth clinic weighing babies, a position calling bingo at a seniors centre, a posi- tion sewing costumes for a theatre group and opportunities to visit prisoners serving time in Lower Mainland prisons. But Dornan said: ‘‘We do not wish to create a new myth that volunteer work offers only unique and unusual opportunities. For example, there remains an over- whelming need for people to grocery shop for the elderly and shut-ins, or for drivers to bring people to appointments. But what we do want to stress is that volun- teering is for both parties —~ the helped and the helper. A satisfying position will benefit both." The popular image of a small altrusitic army of retired citizens. tying together the community with free time aad collected wisdom no longer holds true. A full 78 per cent of the volun- teers passing through the NSIVC doors these days are employed in- 41 - Sua ae Cot ts eee Cancer unit opens NEWS photo Mike Wakelleld STREETCAR #153 is looking for a skilled friend to returs: ner to her former glory. The streetcar used to trans- port passengers up and down Lonsdale Avenue from 1907 to 1947. The stzveetcar has since served time as a res- taurant, grocery store and chicken coop. Technician Bob Booth, teft, and Bill Baker of the North Shore Museum and Archives are searching for an old-style carpenter to restore the streetcar. dividuals volunteering time during evenings and weekends. “Some people volunteer for ca- reer expansion — it's a non- threatening way to try out some- thing. People volunteer for social contact, to balance their lifestyle or just as a basic desire to help.’’ For more information about the various volunteering option3 cur- rently available, including Streetcar #153 project, contact the NSIVC at 985-7138. ? “751 Removable. Trac jectors’