Many N. Shore families want a volunteer grandparent FAMILY IS more than a shared genetic pool. It is a matter of the heart. North Shore children and older adults par- ticipating in the Volunteer Grandparents Society of B.C. program are proving the point daily. The program brings together families, in need of the love and wisdom older adults can bring to a relationship, with people living in. the community who are over the age of 40 and willing to volunteer their spare time as volunteer grandparents. ‘There are currently approxi- mately 115 ongoing volunteer grandparent-family relationships throughout the Lower Mainland and Abbctsford. About five of them involve families on the North Shore. But there is a need for more volunteer grandparents locally. Over 30 North Shore families reg- istered with the society are waiting to connect with volunteer grand- parents. North Vancouver mother Chery! Whittaker and her six-year-old son Michael are one of the lucky few ‘local families united with a volun- teer grandparent. ’ Whittaker, North Shore volun- teer coordinator for the society, said she had been on the waiting list for a numter of years before ‘meeting North Vancouver volun- teer grandparent Anne Bosch late fast year. Said Whittaker, ‘‘We’re from Australia and we don’t have any family here. There was a need to have more people involved in Michael’s life. “Michael has grandparents in Australia but he doesn’t see them. MICHAEL BECKER ‘News Reporter I think- it’s quite important, -especially for a single-parent fami- ly. Grandparents have played a great role in my life. If children grow up without them, I think that they’re really missing out on some- thing.” Bosch, 57, visits with Michael weekly. Said the Jungian psychoanalyst and volunteer grandmother, ““The match up has been pretty good. It’s been very in- teresting. The (society’s) pamphlet says you do it for pleasure, bu! I see a much deeper reason. There is an expanded life for yourself. Though I’ve been a stepmother and have over 80 relatives in Wales, | have no parents or children, no brothers or sisters and no husband. I enjoy making my own path entirely. On the other hand, it’s perfectly natural to have children around. It’s needed.”’ The Volunteer Grandparents Society of B.C., a non-profit organization, was started in 1974. The society receives the bu!k of its funding from the Ministry of Social Services & Housing. For more information about how to become a volunteer grand- parent, volunteering to help in local offices, or making a tax- deductible financial contribution, contact the society at 736-8271. CBC. & IN JR CLAIMS -WE’RE PAID ONLY WHEN YOU COLLECT! Unfortunately, people who've been injured in an accident often settle for less than they're entitled to... . because they simply aren't aware of the value of their claim and can't ely on 1.C.B.C. for help. At our law firm, Stephens and Holman, you have a professional negotiator on your side. We know your righis and we work to make sure your 1.C.B.C. settlement is everything you rightfully deserve. OUR POLICY if you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident, we would like to help you. You can see us free of charge. In fact, we're paid only when you collect. For your convenience, we can meet with you at your home or in the hospital. . Education for Life At Tom Lee Music Schools Children Love to Learn Music! If your child is 3% years or older, this is the best time te introduce them to music. Let your child experience our successful taching method. During the month of April save $15.00 off the regular cost of registration. Phone now and reserve your child a space for September '89. Lessons for all ages. levels and styles. Locations @ Vancouver e Richmond Surrey Coquitlam North Vancouver TO REGISTER NOW, CALL 732-7648