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),