Prince Edward District Women’s Institute presents $15,500 to community groups

Fancy sandwiches, sweets, tea and cheques were offered to special guests attending a celebration of the 120th anniversary of Women’s Institutes in Ontario.

Members of the County’s seven WI branches made a presentation of $15,500 to various community organizations from funds raised at their annual art and craft sale.

“Celebrating 120 years is quite an achievement,” said Mary Ellen Closson, district president. “We are still working for the same things the first womens’ institutes did – for our homes, our families and our country.”

Members of several neighbouring institutes were also in attendance.

“We’re a sisterhood of women working for personal growth and action in our communities,” said Evelyn Peck, who gave a brief history of the women’s institute.

The WI has been active in the County since 1908 championing numerous projects such from the pasteurization of milk, to labels on genetically modified foods and chemicals, to HIV awareness, sponsorship of youth organizations and activities and accessible transportation for seniors and people living with disabilities. Their annual Art and Craft Sale at Picton Fairgrounds is entering its 34th year this summer.

Recipients of the donations are: Quinte Access, Prince Edward County 4H, Prince Edward County Splash Pad, Reaching for Rainbows, Recreation Outreach Centre, Prince Edward County Minor Hockey Association, Prince Edward County Museums Jake deVries Collection, Quinte Dolphins Swim Team, Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, Prince Edward County Libraries and 851 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

Representing the County’s seven Women’s Institute branches were: Mary Ellen Closson, District President, with Evelyn Price, Brenda DiCastris, Kim deBruin, Mary Lynn Rennie, Dini Kempenaar and Betty Cronk.