On November 30, 1872, John McCrae, Canadian soldier and poet, was born in Guelph, Ontario, son of Lieutenant David McCrae and his wife, Janet Simpson McCrae. He was a man of high principles and strong spiritual values. He has been described as warm and sensitive with a remarkable compassion for both people and animals.

“I am a Women's Institute member before anything else – immensely interested as I am in other organizations, both men's and women's, I feel happier and more at home at an Institute gathering than at any other meeting,” declared Her Excellency, the Lady Tweedsmuir, who attended three Women's Institute gatherings, Victoria, Port Hammond and Point Grey during her recent holiday at the Pacific Coast.

At the banquet on the final day of the 2008 Centennial BC Women's Institute Convention  in Duncan, a group of members arrived just before the evening's program got underway. These ladies, referred to as “The Ghosts”, were there to represent prominent members from the WI past and to share history with the banquet attendees. The selected members, garbed in the clothing of the era they were active in were there for the banquet, but also to share their knowledge of the past of the Women's Institute as well as answer questions others at their table may have. There was considerable laughter from some of the tables, I wonder what questions generated that?

Stella was born Stella Evangeline Dynes in Mono Township, Ontario and came west in 1901 when her family moved to Greenwood. Later they lived in Nelson and Stella went with her mother to the meeting in 1909 when Laura Rose organized an Institute there. Mrs. Dynes was a charter member of Nelson WI.

From the British Columbia Women's Institute News, 1969

For many years, the members of the British Columbia Women's Institutes sewed clothing for the youngsters who were patients in the BC Children's Hospital. The following article provides some additional information on this project and applauds the women behind the sewing machines.

(“Wild Roses at Their Feet” - a story of pioneer women of Vancouver Island by Elizabeth Forbes)

It was no use asking Mrs. James MacLachlan to remain cool and and detached when she was fighting for better conditions for women and more especially children. She was always emotionally involved in her “Causes” and worked personally, day and night, to see them through.

I’m shouting out to remind everyone that May is Nurse’s Month. Let’s get out there and make some noise.

A Walk a Thon to support our nurses, by fundraising money for our WI Forensic Nursing Bursary.

Forensic Nursing is a specialized branch of nursing that addresses the unique needs of individuals affected by sexual violence, trauma, and/or abuse. Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs), aka Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs),

This information is an article written by Elizabeth Lefsrud of the Alberta Women's Institute as published in the Countrywoman Magazine, for July/September of 1981:

1. Resolution :

Establishment of Rural Women's Employment Action Plan.

Mover: Rural Women New Zealand

From the Winter 2002 Federated Women's Institutes of Canada Newsletter:

In South Dumfries, Brant County, Ontario in this lovely old frame house known as “the Willows” is the birth place of Adelaide Hunter Hoodless, February 27, 1857 - here she spent her childhood, the youngest of 12 children, where, of necessity, each member of the family shared in the work of the farm and home.

When I was young and newly wed,

My friends and neighbours duly said,

“Now, you be smart and resolute

And join the Women's Institute.”

Each year - November 25th is the ….

Our special guests arrived today, along with the first soft snow They sang a pleasant serenade, just to let us know; That they'd arrived to cheer us as they patiently waited there, Assuring a brighter winter in exchange for food and care.

In this month of November when we focus on remembering all those military and civilian deaths which were a result of two world wars and numerous other military actions, we face a set of sobering statistics.

The BCWI Forensic Nursing Bursary(BCWI-FNB) is a success due to the fund-raising and donations from our membership. Thanks for helping this project stay alive and well! To date we have raised over $18,000.00 for the BCWI-FNB.

Quoted from the book “Madge Watt and the Power of Women Working Together”, Chapter 8

September marks the traditional return to work for the Women's Institute members. There will be many new plans and projects, and a lot of shared happenings over the summer recess. Members are delighted to see each other again, and eager to find out what projects and other plans will take up their thoughts and time in the coming months.