In the 21st century Bermudian students are obliged to carry out community service beginning in primary school.

Candy Striping is one opportunity where young people will not only make new friends but learn new things and gain community service hours while doing something so effortless.

As there is a waiting list to enrol in Candy Striping, many people want to know what makes it so popular.

The Head Candy Striper Jekia Knights- Fubler stated that most times when people see Candy Stripers in their uniform they are inspired and feel the urge to participate.

What is a candy striper? The name is derived from the red-and-white striped jumpers that female volunteers traditionally wore in the United States, which resembled stick candy. Bermudian Candy Stripers must be at least 14 and no older than 18 years of age.

They donate their time assisting patients and staff throughout King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

They have the opportunity to volunteer year-round, after school, during school holidays, for day-release and work shadow.

Currently there are approximately 80 junior volunteers, including both male and females.

Each June about 35 new volunteers, called Strummers, are enrolled to work during July and August, along with regular Stripers.

At the end of the summer months, those who demonstrate a commitment to service and show an interest in the programme are invited to remain.

The Candy Striping programme currently has a two-year waiting list; therefore, students are advised to fill out an application when they are 12 years old.

Candy Striping is a big commitment, with a minimum requirement of two years of service, during which time students are required to volunteer 100 hours each year.

The Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda (HAB) annually appoints a head Candy Striper who must have completed three years in the programme and must have demonstrated leadership qualities, responsibility and commitment to service.

The Head Striper helps the Candy Striper chairperson to supervise volunteers.

The Head Striper for 2009-10 is Jekia Knights-Fubler, a student at CedarBridge Academy.

Jekia volunteers on an alternate Saturday schedule and also during school holidays.

This helps her meet her requirement of 100 hours annually; being a conscientious volunteer, she will actually have completed 400 hours this year.

Jekia's favourite assignment would be working in the HAB gift shop; this is because it is more relaxed, allowing her to interact and chat with the customers from time to time as she loves socialising.

The best bit about Candy Striping for Jekia is knowing that she has helped someone, which leaves her with a smile on her face.

She encourages people to sign up as it has a lot of benefits. Candy Striping is an asset for Jekia's future career, which is working with medicine.

Being a Candy Striper gives her firsthand experience working in a hospital and also helps with the annual scholarship the HAB offers.

Duties of Candy Stripers vary widely depending upon the facility.

The most popular assignment is working in the Pink Café.

The Pink Café serves a diverse menu prepared by culinary professionals and served adult HAB volunteers and Candy Stripers.

This is where Candy Stripers have the opportunity to attend tables, work on the counter, cook and also prepare sandwiches in the kitchen, and also host which includes cleaning and washing dishes.

Once Candy Stripers have enough experience, they can become a cashier also.

Candy Stripers also help in the Continuing Care Unit (CCU), a long-term care facility, which provides care for 100 residents, most of whom are elderly.

Candy Stripers in this area support patients with bedside visits, spiritual comfort including visiting the chapel, community outings and also meal service.

This also includes assisting in a variety of activities including bingo, exercise, massages among other things.

Candy Stripers assist the staff by running errands, providing clerical support and stocking trolleys.

The Barn is dedicated to providing the community with affordable resale items. It is one of the HAB's most profitable fund raising activities.

Candy Stripers have the opportunity to sort through the items and place them on racks for sale. They also make sure the items are in pristine condition to serve the community better.

Candy Stripers agree that their community service opportunity gives them the memory of an unforgettable experience! Students interested in signing up can call the HAB office (236-2488) where they will be put on a waiting list and enrolled for the time of their life.