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The Citizen, 1992-09-30, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30,1992. Wheels Away rolling along successfully BY LISA BOONSTOPPEL- POT Wheels Away is rolling along but there's room for more passengers say organizers of the transportation service. A year and a half after its incep­ tion, Wheels Away has proven to be a valuable and necessary means of transportation for people with handicaps. Yet, the wheelchair access van still has room for more. Gloria Workman, Chairperson of North Huron Special Transit Cor­ poration which operates Wheels Away, says there are two reasons why the service isn't running full throttle. "Wheels Away is a relatively new service so some people may not yet be aware of it," she said. GLORIA WORKMAN "As well, some people aren't accus­ tomed to getting out of their homes and living an active lifestyle. They need encouragement to get out." Statistics reveal that in June of this year, 209 clients were regis­ tered with the service and they took 107 rides. For those who do make use of the service, it can mean a change of life. Ms. Workman knows of one client who virtually couldn't leave his property because his wife couldn't get him in regular vehicles. Alvin Ross, a resident at Ram- meloo Guest Home just outside of Blyth uses Wheels Away once a week to attend the Seniors Day Centre in Wingham. "I'm really happy with it," he says. Mr. Ross is 64 and has never been able to drive because he's been blind since he was two-years- old due to nerve damage. One of the Wheels Away drivers, Tom Adams of RR 3, Wingham, says "the response from clients about the service has been very favourable." Mr. Adams is a retiree who finds being a driver "very satisfying. It makes me feel useful." The Wheels Away van holds eight passengers—five seated and three wheelchairs. It's available seven days a week for qualified clients to destinations in West Wawanosh, East Wawanosh, Mor­ ris Twp., Grey Twp., Howick Twp., Turnberry Twp., Culross Twp., Kinloss Twp., Lucknow, Blyth, Brussels, Teeswater, Gorrie and Wingham. Clients can use the service for visiting friends and relatives, bank­ ing, shopping, attending church, reaching medical appointments or for any other purpose. The client fee is $2.50 each way and rides must be booked one week in advance. The cost of fare is dependent on the support received from local ities in which Wheels Away oper- 4074. Boarding the bus Alvin Ross, a resident at Rammeloo Guest Home in Blyth is blind and uses Wheels Away, a transportation service for handicapped persons, to attend the Seniors Day Centre in Wingham. Here, driver Tom Adams gives him a hand. The Wheels Away service has been running for a year and a half but there's still room for more passengers. municipal governments, service clubs and individual donations. At this point there is a danger that service might be reduced due to lack of donations, says Ms. Workman. "We really need sup­ port from the community right now," she said. So far, only six of the municipal- ates supports the service. They are Grey Twp., Morris Twp., East Wawanosh Twp., Kinloss Twp., Lucknow and Wingham. "We're trying to reach agree­ ments with the remaining munici­ palities," said Ms. Workman. For more information on the Wheels Away service, call 357- Over 100 cases of child abuse reported in Huron The Huron County Board of Education will be bringing many professionals together to provide information workshops on the issues of ' Violence Against Women and its Effects on their Children" when it sponsors the Professional Development Day for its teachers on October 23rd. The following report from the president of the Huron County Community Child Abuse Co-ordinating Committee, Debbie Selkirk mandates the involvement of each of us in the battle against person abuse. CHILD ABUSE AND FAMILY VIOLENCE The Children's Aid Society (CAS) verified over 100 cases of child abuse in Huron County in 1991. These are cases which led to criminal charges against the abuser. Many other cases were not reported or there was insufficient evidence for conviction. This does not mean the abuse did not happen, it simply means the abuse could not be Letters THE EDITOR, On Oct. 26 Canadian voters will have the opportunity to participate in a National Non-Binding Referendum. In order to do justice to the Constitution of Canada, and to substantiate the 150 million dollar cost to ourselves, we should try to cast “well informed” votes. The document entitled “Consen­ sus Report on the Constitution” is quite readable and can be obtained by calling 1-800-561-1188. Simply request that a copy be sent to you. It is an Iron Law of Politics that those who choose not to involve themselves in the politics of their country are destined to be governed proved. The CAS of London and Middlesex County reports they are currently handling 270 cases of child abuse. In 1991, they investigated 428 cases. The population of London is over 280,000, the population of Huron County is just over 58,000. Based on these figures, child abuse appears to be more prevalent in our county. We like to think that our communities are safer than those of the larger urban areas. Out children are not safer here. They are as much at risk or more at risk of being abused by a parent, a step-parent, a relative or a friend of the family. One in four offenders is a family member; one half of offenders are friends or acquaintances; one in six is a stranger. We work hard at teaching our children not to talk to strangers, but what about family members and friends? We don't want to by those who do. Every Canadian who values this country and the Democratic Process should endeavor to cast an informed vote on Referendum Day. It's our choice. Len Lobb Reform Party of Canada Huron-Bruce Riding Assoc. THE EDITOR, Arthritis affects almost four million Canadians of all ages. The Arthritis Society is dependent on donations to fund research. September is the designated campaign month. There will not be a door to door canvass in Blyth. Letters have been sent to last year's donors. Arlene Wood, owner of the Blyth Mini Mart, has generously volunteered to assist in the campaign. Donations may be left at the Mini Mart. Tax receipts will be issued. Elizabeth Battye Blyth Campaign Chairman. think abuse happens here, but it does. Children who live in homes where the mother is abused by her male partner leam that violence is acceptable behavior in an intimate relationship. Boys who witness abuse are 1,000 times more likely to abuse their own wives/girlfriends when they become involved in intimate relationships. Girls who see their mothers being assaulted or emotionally abused are learning bout victimization and the ways in which men can use violence and fear to exert power and control over the family. Children who live with violence are experiencing on-going emotional trauma. Emotional abuse is worse than physical abuse because it eats away at a child's self-esteem, his or her sense of security, his or her belief that people can be trusted and his or her belief that he or she is worthy of begin loved. Family violence happens in our communities. There is still, however, a pervasive belief that what goes on behind closed doors is private and if we ignore it, it will go away. That idea is not true. We, as a caring community, must act to stop this cycle of violence and teach our children there are better ways of communicating, problem-solving and parenting. We also need to increase public awareness and understanding of the need to report child abuse and, through education, encourage children who have been abused to report that abuse, this is one of the goals of the Huron County Community Child Abuse Co­ ordinating Committee (CCACC). Formed in 1987, the CCACC is a non-profit corporation dedicated to helping the people of Huron County work together to solve the problems of child abuse. Composed of volunteer community members, the organization is working to promote the well-being and healthy development of all children and their families. The committee provides "Kids on the Block", a child-abuse prevention program offered to all county elementary schools, a prevention kit entitled, "Can You Babysit Tonight". CCACC also provides training and workshops to the public and professional communities. All funds for the TO’U are invited to an ENVIRONMENT FAIR being held: Thursday, October 1,1992 at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre in Brussels from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. FREE ADMISSION The Fair will feature a display of environmentally friendly products and services as well as a number of environmental information displays. If you would like more information please contact Donna White at the number below: Donna White Chairperson North Huron Environment Group 887-6572 "A North Huron Community Development Committee Project" North Huron committee's work are raised by local endeavours such as the annual Teddy Bear Dream Auction and dinner held each spring. Preventing and reporting child abuse is everyone's responsibility. Working together we can make positive changes that will impact directly on our most valuable resource and hope for the future- our children.