Octobe: CLAUDIE DESMARAIS of West Vancouver is the new president of UNICEF Canada. Claudie Desmarais - In her own words Why did you move to Canada? “My father is a film and TV pro- ducer and I wanted to become a script girl, but I needed to be tri- lingual to be admitted to cinema school. I had the choice of going to school in England or Canada, and I chose Montreal. I worked as a bilingual secretary for one year — and I don’t think | improved my English at all! 1 met my future husband, dropped the idea and got inarried instead. I was 19 when I came here.’’ What were you doing previeus to becoming involved with UNICEF? “ft was a French teacher with Al- lignce Francais for 10 years. | taught elementary students in West Vancouver and adults for a while. But I felt 1 wasn’t fresh anymore, that I needed to do something else."’ What are your main duties as president? ‘‘! chair the national board meetings four times a year and travel when I’m asked to.” What is UNICEF’s mandate? “Our main interest is always children, but we’re putting more emphasis on women, because we realize they are the key to success. As someone once said, ‘if you teach a woman, the whole com- munity will learn.’ ”’ How do you feel about UNICEF Canada’s fundraising achieve- ments? ‘“f think it’s very nice. One thing that is iwnportant to know is that our administrative expenses and overhead costs are very low — 8.2¢ per dollar. The bulk of the money goes to the field. We never send money; it’s converted to goods, medicine, blankets and food.’’ What ase some of UNICEF's other priorities? *‘To see that the World Summit for Children Reso- lution is signed, ratified and im- plemented by governments. Last December the federal government pledged $500 million to the Brighter Futures Initiative in Canada, which will include, among other things, the im- plementation of the Convention ef the Rights of the Child. How are immunization efforts go- ing? “We did a large immuniza- tion program in the big countries in Africa, but there nave been so many wars in the meantime, it’s hard to see where we're at.” Patricia Kennedy B.A.; Dip NY Sch. 1.D. Interior Design Ltd. A personal service to help you with all of your decorating needs. Speciahzing in Residential Design Space Planning and Colour Consultation For the building of New Homes and Renovations Custom Upholstery, Window Treatments, Bedding and Furnishings By Appointment 925-1849 What are your priorities? ‘‘To sec that people within UNICEF are working in harmony and keep up my contact with corporations — just to continue my role as a sim- ple volunteer.”” Does UNICEF have offices in former Yugoslavia? ‘Yes, two. We've been active there for about 4% years. Four of our doctors Ts YOUR PRESCRIPTION BELONGS TO YOU. BC law states that, when you have your eyes tested, you’re entitled to take your prescription away with you. That way, you’re not obligated to buy your glasses from just one outlet when you could get better work, wider selection and expert service with an Independent Optician. were killed there. It’s not easy.”’ Have you met Audrey Hepburn, UNICEF's Goodwith Ambassador? “Oh yes. I've met all the friends of UNICEF: Peter Ustinov, Harry Belafonte, Roger Moore. They’re all very down to earth. Audrey Hepburn, to me, has the most sense of caring for her fellow man.”” WHEN THE littl goblins and witches turn up on your docrstep this Halloween, be prepared to have more than the standard treats on hand. By Evelyn Jacob News Repurter UNICEF Canada is mouating its annual Hulloween drive, and is looking for your support. Some of these masked munch- kins will be armed with tiny orange boxes in additian to the essential pillow sack, and Quarters, dimes, nickels — even pennies — are all welcome. The idea of using the occasion of Halloween to raise money for needy kids began -on Oct. 31, 1955. An American Sunday school taised a few dollars and by the next year, UNICEF Ontario had taised more than $!,000. Today the Halloween campaign A LEE NAME: Claudie Desmarais BORN: Marmande, France RESIDENCE: West Vancouver OCCUPATION: President, UNICEF Canada EDUCATION: Lycee Jean de la Fontaine grad . FAMILY: Martied; two children is one of the United Nation Children’s Fund’s most successful fundraising tools. “It’s been a tradition for more than three decades,’’ says UNICEF Canada’s new president, West Vancouver resident Claudie Desmarais. **We organize them through the schools — children learn why they are sharing their Halloween with other underprivileged children. !t’s really children helping chiidren.”” Protecting and improving the lives of children has long been the mandate of UNICEF, one of the world’s most respected non- governmental organizations. See Campaign page 39 Buying glasses? Here earetwe important things nobody cise is going fo fell you. 23” FAST AND CHEAP” OFTEN MEANS EXACTLY THAT. If you’re one of the growing number of people disappointed with - “fast-food” optical chains, you can trust the dependable quality of the North Shores Independent Opticians. There is no substitute for experienced pro- fessionals and we’ve all been around long enough to prove it. 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