From the News

Dated: January 18, 1918

GOVERNMENT ASKED TO SEND MORE V.A.D.'S OVER

Draft of 100 from Toronto Division Sought by St. John's Society.

The British head office of the St. John Ambulance Corps has asked if the Canadian authorities would be willing to raise a draft of V.A.D.'s for overseas service.  Only 100 would be sent from this division, but already the Toronto headquarters are swamped with eager applicants.  No definite steps will be taken until the authoritative word is received from England -- which word is expected within the next six weeks. 

The call is for V.A.D.'s with special training to volunteer as dieticians, stenographers and ambulance drivers.

The applicants must have completed their St. John Ambulance courses and have had experience in a military hospital.  The ambulance drivers must also be qualified chauffeurs, have a knowledge of mechanics, and before they may drive an ambulance have had at least six months' experience in truck driving.

The work is strictly voluntary - an allowance of only two dollars a week will be given.  The applicant must have at least $250 in her own name to insure financial independence.  The age limit is from 23 to 38.   As the experienced English women are being drafted to France it is expected that our girls would work in an Imperial hospital under the English authorities.

The St. John Ambulance Brigade will finance the draft until permanently settled in hospital.