Hemmingford Branch of the Women’s Institute Celebrates 100th
Members of Hemmingford’s Women’s Institute rang in a century of helping the community this past Friday.
On Friday, October 23rd, the members of the Hemmingford Branch of the Women’s Institute gathered for a luncheon to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Held at the St. Luke’s Anglican Church Hall in Hemmingford, the room was decorated in the spirit of autumn, filled from wall to wall with WI members. Also in attendance was Canada’s representative of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), Sheila Needham, who hails from Brome, Quebec, as well as MNA Stéphane Billette and Township mayor Paul Viau, amongst others.
The event, which was locally catered, was a heartfelt one, with a stunning white and blue anniversary cake prepared by WI member Evelyn Shaw. Many members of the WI donned the traditional tartan, which is also widely known as Quebec’s tartan, in the bold colours of red, hunter green and navy blue. Several members were also sporting aprons of different designs and colours in the spirit of an apron competition, judged by both originality and category. Hemmingford Elementary made an appearance, sending over their school choir to entertain the Women’s Institute with a few choice songs.
The Women’s Institute, which is a world-wide-organization, is a group of women dedicated to community growth, with a focus on healthcare, education and agriculture. Free of any religious or political affiliations, the non-profit follows the mantra of “For Home and Country,” which signifies their dedication to their communities—anyone is welcome to join, and the group is always looking for new members. The Hemmingford branch, which was founded in 1915, is highly involved in the growth of the town of Hemmingford. Headed up by president Jolene Robinson, the Hemmingford branch of the WI is active in the community, sponsoring public speaking events at the local schools, as well as an essay writing competition at Hemmingford Elementary. They also show their support through the presentation of bursaries at both the Chateauguay Valley Regional High School and Huntingdon’s Adult Education and Community Centre.
Robinson, who has been president for three years, has been a member of the WI for fifteen years. The group, which meets once a month, continues to be dedicated to the growth of healthcare, education and agricultural initiatives in the area. “It’s important to us to give back to the community and to address local concerns,” said Robinson when asked about the WI’s goals for the community. Happy 100th to the Hemmingford branch of the Women’s Institute!