Women’s Institute has something for every woman
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- Published on Sunday, November 22, 2015
By Dianne Kowalchuk
There are many benefits to membership in Manitoba Women’s Institute (MWI). First and foremost would be the strong bonds of friendship that are formed with sister members — women whom one might not know otherwise.
Education, including personal development, is a huge component of the organization. Members can choose to learn about any subject in which they have an interest, from health to agriculture or cooking to crafting. MWI was formed in 1910 for those very reasons — to promote connections among rural women and to aid women to better care for themselves and their families. Another huge benefit is the opportunity to make a difference. Members are encouraged to tackle problems, to learn about them and to work towards improving the situation. In the process of doing all this, the member gains knowledge, self-confidence and new skills. Then when a project is completed, there is that huge sense of satisfaction for a job well done.
Rivers WI concluded its 2014-15 year with an annual meeting at the home of Michelle McFadden. Roll call included the submission of program ideas for the coming year. To everyone’s surprise, there were 15 different topics of interest! The program planning committee will meet soon to draw up a schedule that will surely have something for everyone.
The year, just concluded, was filled with a variety of activities. At the eight regular meetings, topics included sleep apnea, Canadian Co-operative Association, Riverdale Justice Committee, quilting, MWI resolutions, food literacy and Women’s History Month. Members also toured the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon. They made donations to Riverdale Harvest, the women’s shelter, Children’s Hospital Book Market, and WI-sponsored projects in the Third World. They provided a graduation award and prizes for 4-H competition at Rivers fair. They arranged refreshments at the Wellness Day last April and delivered Meals on Wheels in June. They continued their membership in Ag in the Classroom and drafted a resolution for the MWI convention. The local is proud that Arenda Vanderdeen is now a member of the MWI provincial board; she has just completed a two-year term as president of this branch.
Rivers WI has many serious discussions, but the first order of business is having fun and enjoying one another’s company. To that end, members, their families and friends will gather for the annual potluck Christmas party on Sunday, Dec. 13 at St. James’ Anglican Church. If you are interested in attending, please give Dianne Kowalchuk (204-328-7690) or Michelle McFadden (204-328-7441) a call.
The roots of WI are found in agriculture. Although many members are not directly involved in agriculture, every person is indirectly affected by what’s happening in the agriculture industry. As a reminder of this, WI members took part in an “Ag More Than Ever” quiz. Do you know how many jobs are ag and ag-related? The answer is one in eight. What percentage of Canadian farms are family owned and operated? The answer: 98 per cent.
