A junior arm of the Women's Hospitals Auxiliary, Candy Stripers have been serving Bermuda since the 1960's, and take their name from the bright red and white striped uniforms female members wear.

The number of active Candy Stripers currently hovers around 100, including approximately ten young men who sport the same uniform used by male WHA members: white shorts and knee socks with a pink polo shirt.

The volunteers, who range in age from 14 to 18 years, sacrifice many weekends and holiday time to help others at the Island's two hospitals and Agape House -- the hospice for terminally ill patients.

Candy Stripers serve wherever their help is required, including in WHA's coffee shop at King Edward, on the ward floors the wards and in the hospital's pharmacy.

The youngsters typically put in one three-hour shift every other Saturday while school is in session and three shifts per week during holiday periods -- 8.30 to 11.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 2 to 4 p.m..

Working side-by-side with the Women's Hospitals Auxiliary volunteers or Pink Ladies, Candy Stripers can be found delivering flowers and menus to the wards, counting pills in the pharmacy, delivering prescriptions to patients or taking them for tests in other departments. They also help staff the WHA gift shop near the entrance to KEMH, the Barn Thrift Shop in Devonshire and the Tuck Shop at St. Brendan's Hospital, which all raise funds for the hospitals.

The Candy Stripers' supervisor, Mrs. Evelyn Latham, said attracting new recruits has not been a problem.

"This year alone we've received 37 applications, and we can only take on 17 to 20,'' she said. "But I like to interview everyone, and if they are not accepted this time around they will most definitely be considered in the future.'' Each applicant is carefully screened and interviewed to make sure they understand the dedication and commitment required for the job.

School guidance counsellors are consulted and at least one of the potential Striper's parents must sign a release form before they are accepted.

Mrs. Latham completed interviews for 1993 candy stripers last weekend.

WHA awards four scholarships each year to students completing their senior-year studies locally. Each is worth $1,000.

TEA ANYONE? -- Pink lady Mrs. Claire Woods enjoys a chat with customer Mrs.

Francis Bristol who stopped by the coffee shop for a light breakfast.