Women's Institutes Lighting the Way

Women across the province will celebrate the personal and leadership skills they have developed thanks to the Women's Institutes of Nova Scotia (WINS) during Women's Institute Week from Feb. 19 to Feb. 25.

"The Women's Institutes of Nova Scotia has often been dubbed the rural woman's university," said WINS president Ruth Blenkhorn. "It has helped to instill leadership skills in its members through educational and personal development programs for many years."

Since 1913, Nova Scotia members have been involved in many projects both nationally and provincially. One such project is called Into the North. Two northern Labrador communities, Hopedale and Sheshatshui, have been adopted by the Canadian Women's Institutes. WINS members provide baby and child-care items and funds to support educational programs for the communities.

Another local project involved Nova Scotia members making more than 100 blankets and quilts for homeless people in the province. The blankets were distributed by the Salvation Army.

"This organization of women is dedicated to our communities and provides invaluable services," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "The Women's Institutes of Nova Scotia has a positive impact on the lives of its members, their families and the public through the many projects that members participate in each year."

Feb. 19 recognizes the founding of the first branch of the organization in Stoney Creek, Ont., in 1897. The founder of the organization, Adelaide Hoodless, was discouraged that women knew little about the nutritional requirements of the family. She started the organization to help teach women domestic skills. The group evolved into an international organization with more than seven million members.

"Our members have the skills and the practical knowledge to get things done," said Ms. Blenkhorn. "This practical knowledge is something that members of the organization are eager to share with new members."