Women's Institute Celebrates Centennial

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Women's Institute Celebrates Centennial

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sourced by Barbara McPherson

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Women's Institute Celebrates Centennial | Photo 02

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uploaded by Barbara McPherson

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Women from Vancouver Island Women's Institute chapters celebrated the 100th year of Women's Institutes. The WI was first established in Ontario by Adelaide Hunter Hoodless to improve the lives of women and children.  Using a motto For Home and Country, the WI has gone on to be linked with women's groups around the globe.

While WI is an active charitable group, Monday was a day for fun and social interaction.  The WI members, some with spouses, boarded the historical E&N railway to run 'up island' to the small town of Qualicum Beach to be greeted by chapter members there.  We then went on to the town square to hear a proclamation from the town crier and be addressed by the mayor.  In particular, they pointed out the important contributions towards establishing the dogwood as a provincial flower, the WI providing early money to establish the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children and establishing a fund in 1923 to build the BC Children's Hospital.

After hearing the praises from the Town Crier and the Mayor of Qualicum Beach, members headed off for lunch and socializing with members.  The return train trip was enlivened by the outgoing personality of the Via Rail conductor, making for a pleasant outing for all.

My aplogies for the quality of the video.  It was really windy.