Hitda Talstra: It's about helping, not being judgmental. by Stepanie Wiebe The call comes at 2 a.m., and the voice is young and distressed. "I gotta talk to somebody. I’m pregnant. I haven't told anyone yet. I don’t know what to do. My parents are gonna kill me." This call is for Birthright. The volunteer answering the phone will not criticize or judge the anonymous caller. She is pre- pared only to listen, help and care. : In these times of moral turmoil, amid the abortion war of pro-life and pro-choice, Birthright chooses to focus on the immedi- ate needs of pregnant women and girls. Hilda Talsira, director of the Terrace Birthright organization, says that Birthright’s aim is sim- ply to help. "We're not trying to change the world. We're trying to help one girl or one woman, It’s about helping, not being judgmental." Talstra emphasizes that caring and helping are Birth- right’s main functions, "We spe- cialize in pregnant girls. We care about the mother and the child. We want to see them through this difficult period of time." Talstra and the 20 trained vol- unteers that make up Terrace’s Birthright organization rotate shifts to cover the 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week service. That service includes personal attention and resource referrals, provision of shelter and support for preg- nant women or girls of all ages. Pregnancy tests are available in the Birthright office, as are maternity clothes, baby clothes and information. The services are totally confidential and free. "The panic is when you first find out you're pregnant,” says Talstra. "That time is the tone- liest." Often, a Birthright volun- teer will lend a sympathetic car on the telephone, and never hear from that caller again. Talstra says that's okay — the needs of the caller determine the extent of the service. "Still, you know you have lified them out of a dark world, That’s what we're here for." When further help Is requested, Birthright volunteers have access to numerous counselling, medical and legal resources. Sometimes volunteers are requested to ac- company pregnant girls to doc- tor’s appointments, pre-natal classes, even offering emotional support in the labour room. Tal- stra emphasizes the value of this support. "When you're pregnant, it seems like you'll be pregnant forever." All this does not have to end with the pregnancy — the support continues as long as it’s © Group offers help to pregnant and are maintained for years. As for the issue of abortion, the Birthright volunteers make no judgements or decisions. "We look at the other alternatives, but we won't make a decision for you, You have to decide. We'll help you to make an informed choice." Birthright is a non-profit, non- political, non-denominational organization. No government funds support this group, only donations and dedicated volun- teers. As Talstra puts it, "It’s _ simply about helping.-If the. whole world would help their neighbours, then the world would be perfect, right?" The Terrace chapter, established in 1978, is one of 650 Birthright groups spread throughout Canada, the United States and Africa. Birthright’s international services, started in Toronto in 1968, have helped two million women and girls. Birthright’s founder, Louise Summerhill of Ontario, died three months ago at the age of 75. Summerhill described herself as "an ordinary person who did something extraordinary for God." | The Terrace Birthright office is located at #201, 4721 Lazelle Avenue, (in the Tillicum Build- ing). It is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays, The phone num- ber is 635-3907, and it is moni- needed. Often friendships develop tored 24 hours a day. Terrace Review —— Wednesday, November 6, 1991 25 BCss _ Environment Tire Talk Tour B.C. Environment invites tire retailers, landfill operators, used- tire handlers, municipal government staff and elected officials, and interested public members to join in a discussion on the tire recycling program. There will be a presentation on the tire recycling program followed by a question and answer period. As well, time will be allotted for a general discussion period on used lead-acid battery recycling and used oil recycling. Meeti hedul Presentation on the tire recycling program, _ including discussion.of the need for a ban on landfilling tires in the north west. Public Meeting t 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Question and answer period on the tire 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. recycling program. 9:00 - 10:00 p.m. General discussion period on used batteries, oil and tires. Dates and Locations = November 12, 1991 in the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako’s Board Room (492 - Alaska Drive) Burns Lake November 13, 1991 in the Hudson Room, Hudson Bay Lodge November 14, 1991 in the West Banquet Room, Inn of the West November 16, 1991 in the Penthouse Room, Prince Rupert Hotel (Note: this session will start at 10:00 a.m. and continue to 1:00 p.m. in the same format as the schedule above). writing. advance — 638-8177. this exciting show. 635-9119. — COMING Our Coming Events column is a public.service offered by the Terrace Review. Deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. Coming Events must be mailed In or dropped off at our office, 4535 Greig Avenue, typed or in legible Information concerning the Twin River Estates project is available from the Skeena Senior Citizens’ Housing Society office, corner of Apstey Street and Lakelse Avenue, each Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m., or phone 638-1518 for a taped message or further information. Until November 15 — “Tales for Twos” at the Terrace Public Library will be held Fridays at 10:30 a.m. This is a special half-hour story time for two- year-olds and parents together. There is no charge, but please register in Until November 27 — The Arthritis Society of B.C. is halding a self-man- agement course in Terrace once a week (on Wednesdays) for six weeks at the B.C. Access Centre, 3250 Eby St. from 7 to 9 p.m. A fee will be charged to cover text books (yours to keep). Limit of 12 people for each course. To register, phone Mary at 635-2577 or Joyce at 635-5024. Until November 29 — The Terrace Art Association presents Edward Epp in a show of oil and acrylic paintings of Africa and Eastern Canada at the Terrace Art Gallery. The Art Gallery now has a show coordinator and regu- jar hours! Tuesday to Friday 12 noon to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 12 noon to 3 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Come in and see Until December 14 — Interested in improving your English? Join an Advanced English as a Second Language class meeting at the Reading Place (next to the Tillicum Twin Theatres). For more information, call Wednesday, Nov. 6 — Terrace & District Multicultural Association annual general meeting in the Skeena Junior Secondary School library at 7:30 p.m. Everyone welcome, For mare information, please phone 638-1 594, Wednesday, Nov. 6 — Caledonia music's fall concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the R.E.M. Lee Theatre. Admission Is free, donations are welcome. Sunday, Nov. 10 — Pastor Jake Thiessen and the members of the Alliance Church invite you to attend an outstanding film, “Hope for the Lonely”, featuring an exciting, heartfelt message by Billy Graham. Through this film, the audience wilt get real answers for living. Sunday, Nov. 10 — The Alliance Church has dectared today to be Veterans’ Appreciation Sunday". We extend a warm welcome to everyone to join us in saying “Thank You" to those who stood on guard for our nation, Canada, at 11 a.m. Everyone welcome at 4923 Agar Ave. EVENTS — Wednesday, Nov. 13 — Christmas Bazaar featuring 22 home-based busi- nesses and crafts, from 7 to 11 p.m. at ihe Terrace Curling Club (upstairs). Hosted by Canadian Women in Timber. Thursday, Nov. 14 — B.C. Old Age Pensioners’ Organization, Branch 73, will hold their annual general meeting at 2 p.m. in the Happy Gang Centre on Kalum Street. All members please attend. Thursday, Nov, 14 — To anyone with a registered dog who is interested in forming a Terrace Dog Club, there will be a meeting at 7 p.m. Please phone Tammy at 798-2226 or 635-3737, or Shannon at 635-6869 for loca- tion and further information. Nov, 14, 15, 16 and 19, 20, 21 — Terrace Little Theatre presents Hooters at the McColl Playhouse, 3625 Kalum Street, at 8 p.m. We will advise you when and where tickets are available. Saturday, Nov. 16 — Happy Gang Centre tea and bazaar at the Happy Gang Centre. Came one! Come all! Tuesday, Nov. 19 — Support group meeting for persons suffering from M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), also known as C.F.I.D.S. (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome), at 7:30 p.m. in the down- stairs meeting room of the Terrace Public Library. For more information, please contact Kathleen Talstra at 635-2718. Wednesday, Nov. 20 — Thornhill Junior Secondary Parent Advisory Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the school library. The topic: Youth and Drugs. Guest speakers featured. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Thursday, Nov. 28 — Creative Parenting, a support and skillbuilding group for parents, meets at 8 p.m. at 4506 Lakelse Ave., Terrace. We want to find a way to live with our children so that we can feel good about ourselves and help them feel good about themselves. When children feel right, they'l behave right. For more information, call Kelly at 638-0717. Saturday, Nov. 30 -- Veritas School Christmas Bazaar from 12:30 to 4 p.m. in the school gym, 4936 Straume Ave. You will experience the great- est bake sale ever, crafts, white elephant, bottle table, children's games, and much more. A raffle with super prizes will be held at 3 p.m. First prize will be a gas barbecue. Twelve prizes in all plus more for the tea. August 7, 8 and 9 — A Patriquin family reunion is being planned in 1992 in Truro, Nova Scotia. Please contact Mrs. Mildred Ens, Coverdale Road, R.A. #1, Salisbury, New Brunswick, EOA 3E0.