Media
The Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada – WI Canada (FWIC), is the national organization that provides a united voice for all Women’s Institutes across Canada while advocating for national directives in health, poverty, food safety, environmental preservation and community support.
With Gratitude To The Women’s Institute Who Shaped My Life, submitted by Elizabeth Moore, President, Bond Head Women’s Institute and Vice President, Tec We Gwill Women’s Institute
I can still see their smiling faces… feel their labour of love in action serving the most delicious cookies and treats, hear the chatter of their voices and the clinking of those beautiful teacups and saucers as they carefully wash them and put them away. The flood of memories comes rushing back to a time long ago in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and having the privilege of growing up in a 3-room schoolhouse with only three teachers but the love, support and dedication of a group of women called the Savard Women’s Institute. These amazing women filled with love and tireless devotion who believed they could make our world a better place… and did.
In the wilderness of Northern Ontario their deeds and actions gave us a voice… for it was because of their work and their dedication to making our school thrive with extra activities and because they showed us we mattered and were part of something more than isolation and rural reality, that we truly understood we were much more and at the same time learned the meaning and value of community… And perhaps, more importantly, that we had a sense of belonging and a place that felt safe and we called home.
The Women’s Institute members were a visible presence teaching us important skills like sewing, cooking, knitting, how to serve tea at a community event, serving hot dogs and food at a concession stand at the fall fair, making costumes for the Christmas concert out of crepe paper and shiny tinsel garland and supporting us financially with field trips and a much needed hot lunch program every winter. They quietly went about their tasks with a quiet sort of reverence… They left an indelible mark on my heart and made me know from a very young age that a community is only as strong as its members… an impression that lasted a lifetime and fueled my desire to want to do exactly the same thing when I grew up… join the Women’s Institute and make a difference.
In grade 8 our Home Economics class had the opportunity to compete for the coveted Women’s Institute award. To win the award, it included producing samples of knitting and crocheting, a well-kept Home Economics workbook showcasing the work over the year and the illustration of what those skills could look like in everyday life as a domestic engineer. I worked really hard that year and was so proud to be chosen as the winner. I was awarded the 5 Roses Cook Book… a beautiful cook book with a white cover that had a picture of the bag of flour, cooking utensils and five roses on the front… but what was special to me was the inscription on the inside “Donated by the Savard Women’s Institute for the best kept Home Economics Book 1974.” I have used that cookbook faithfully for the last 60 years and cherish it. It has also been my bragging right to my family and friends over the years… a thing that results in a lot of laughter and fun and the title of Home Ec Queen…It is perhaps one of the most important achievements of my life.
Growing up I felt privileged … I knew that my life was rich because of the extra things happening at my school that supported literacy, numeracy and wellbeing. When I entered high school and met other students from neighbouring schools…. I fully understood… their history was not the same. I then knew with certainty that the Women’s Institute at my school, Savard, Sharpe and Robillard Public was truly something special and I felt even more thankful. I realized that the cold and long winters and the isolation of being in a small rural farming community two hours away from a real city had felt normal, alive and vibrant because of their tireless efforts. I realized the impact this special group of women had on my life… And I felt even more grateful.
I left the north with my career in the Ontario Public Service in 1988. While taking piano lessons in the early 2000’s I happened to be waiting and noticed some beautiful calendars…. To my surprise and delight they were being sold by the Women’s Institute. My piano teacher was a member of the Bond Head Women’s Institute and encouraged me to join. So, when I retired in 2021, I jumped in with passion and enthusiasm. Joining the WI… I felt like I had come home. If only… I contemplated… could I make a small difference in my community … could I emulate those amazing women of my long ago memories and now be the one to make a lasting impression and difference in my community?
I now belong to two Women’s Institutes and serve as the President of the Bond Head Branch and the Vice President of the Tec We Gwill Branch. The branches are both very involved in the community and serve with passion and dedication. I have met so many wonderful women and have had the opportunity to do so many amazing things to serve our community. The rewards are endless in seeing the joy and hearing the community feedback. Life is busy but oh so much fun!
My mind often wanders back to my early beginnings of WI. I cannot think of a better beginning or shaping of early life. While doing my graduate studies I learned that early support has an impact on the brain wiring that is critical for healthy development. It involves rapid neuron growth and connection formation in the early years of life. The necessary connections and wiring of the brain are driven by experience, interactions and exchanges and creates a foundation for skills and lifelong learning. How blessed I was to have that positive influence and support of the Women’s Institute. Their influence wired my brain to understand the value of volunteering, belonging and creating healthy communities that thrive.
I am forever grateful to the members of the Savard Women’s Institute and for their kindness and caring… for travelling across snow covered roads in subzero temperatures and for being there from September to June every year to show students the value of leadership and belonging. They made us feel special and so much more than a group of 50 students in an isolated farming community. We felt special, valued, had a sense of belonging and because of them we knew that we could live our dreams to our fullest potential.
Last year as part of our student achievement goals at the Bond Head WI Branch we included a local rural school in our planning. We actively worked with the school, and provided much needed funding to support their sports program, showed up at their spring fair to help serve the food and run events and included the grade 8 class in the serving of food at the annual Strawberry Social. My heart sang when we received a thank you card that included a note “You made our little school feel big.” Shortly after I attended a graduation ceremony to present the WI award. When the valedictorian reflected on his memories he noted the Strawberry Social as a highlight. The answer to my question as to whether we could make a difference was answered and I knew with full assurance that yes, we were.
I am eternally grateful to the Women’s Institute for their years of service and for their influence and shaping of my young life. I am also so thankful that the work continues, and I get to be part of two amazing branches and to carry on the tradition, love and support to my community.
Memories are a beautiful thing and when mine flood back as they often do… I think of the random acts of kindness, the generosity and devotion and the hard work of a group of women who knew they could make a difference, shape lives and invest in the future. It is now my privilege to carry on that work and to invest in my community. It all started… and it all continues because of “Women Who Care and Women Who Share” and I am so proud to be part of the history and the future of a special group of remarkable women called the Women’s Institute.
I can still see their smiling faces… feel their labour of love in action serving the most delicious cookies and treats, hear the chatter of their voices and the clinking of those beautiful teacups and saucers as they carefully wash them and put them away. The flood of memories comes rushing back to a time long ago in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and having the privilege of growing up in a 3-room schoolhouse with only three teachers but the love, support and dedication of a group of women called the Savard Women’s Institute. These amazing women filled with love and tireless devotion who believed they could make our world a better place… and did.
In the wilderness of Northern Ontario their deeds and actions gave us a voice… for it was because of their work and their dedication to making our school thrive with extra activities and because they showed us we mattered and were part of something more than isolation and rural reality, that we truly understood we were much more and at the same time learned the meaning and value of community… And perhaps, more importantly, that we had a sense of belonging and a place that felt safe and we called home.
The Women’s Institute members were a visible presence teaching us important skills like sewing, cooking, knitting, how to serve tea at a community event, serving hot dogs and food at a concession stand at the fall fair, making costumes for the Christmas concert out of crepe paper and shiny tinsel garland and supporting us financially with field trips and a much needed hot lunch program every winter. They quietly went about their tasks with a quiet sort of reverence… They left an indelible mark on my heart and made me know from a very young age that a community is only as strong as its members… an impression that lasted a lifetime and fueled my desire to want to do exactly the same thing when I grew up… join the Women’s Institute and make a difference.
In grade 8 our Home Economics class had the opportunity to compete for the coveted Women’s Institute award. To win the award, it included producing samples of knitting and crocheting, a well-kept Home Economics workbook showcasing the work over the year and the illustration of what those skills could look like in everyday life as a domestic engineer. I worked really hard that year and was so proud to be chosen as the winner. I was awarded the 5 Roses Cook Book… a beautiful cook book with a white cover that had a picture of the bag of flour, cooking utensils and five roses on the front… but what was special to me was the inscription on the inside “Donated by the Savard Women’s Institute for the best kept Home Economics Book 1974.” I have used that cookbook faithfully for the last 60 years and cherish it. It has also been my bragging right to my family and friends over the years… a thing that results in a lot of laughter and fun and the title of Home Ec Queen…It is perhaps one of the most important achievements of my life.
Growing up I felt privileged … I knew that my life was rich because of the extra things happening at my school that supported literacy, numeracy and wellbeing. When I entered high school and met other students from neighbouring schools…. I fully understood… their history was not the same. I then knew with certainty that the Women’s Institute at my school, Savard, Sharpe and Robillard Public was truly something special and I felt even more thankful. I realized that the cold and long winters and the isolation of being in a small rural farming community two hours away from a real city had felt normal, alive and vibrant because of their tireless efforts. I realized the impact this special group of women had on my life… And I felt even more grateful.
I left the north with my career in the Ontario Public Service in 1988. While taking piano lessons in the early 2000’s I happened to be waiting and noticed some beautiful calendars…. To my surprise and delight they were being sold by the Women’s Institute. My piano teacher was a member of the Bond Head Women’s Institute and encouraged me to join. So, when I retired in 2021, I jumped in with passion and enthusiasm. Joining the WI… I felt like I had come home. If only… I contemplated… could I make a small difference in my community … could I emulate those amazing women of my long ago memories and now be the one to make a lasting impression and difference in my community?
I now belong to two Women’s Institutes and serve as the President of the Bond Head Branch and the Vice President of the Tec We Gwill Branch. The branches are both very involved in the community and serve with passion and dedication. I have met so many wonderful women and have had the opportunity to do so many amazing things to serve our community. The rewards are endless in seeing the joy and hearing the community feedback. Life is busy but oh so much fun!
My mind often wanders back to my early beginnings of WI. I cannot think of a better beginning or shaping of early life. While doing my graduate studies I learned that early support has an impact on the brain wiring that is critical for healthy development. It involves rapid neuron growth and connection formation in the early years of life. The necessary connections and wiring of the brain are driven by experience, interactions and exchanges and creates a foundation for skills and lifelong learning. How blessed I was to have that positive influence and support of the Women’s Institute. Their influence wired my brain to understand the value of volunteering, belonging and creating healthy communities that thrive.
I am forever grateful to the members of the Savard Women’s Institute and for their kindness and caring… for travelling across snow covered roads in subzero temperatures and for being there from September to June every year to show students the value of leadership and belonging. They made us feel special and so much more than a group of 50 students in an isolated farming community. We felt special, valued, had a sense of belonging and because of them we knew that we could live our dreams to our fullest potential.
Last year as part of our student achievement goals at the Bond Head WI Branch we included a local rural school in our planning. We actively worked with the school, and provided much needed funding to support their sports program, showed up at their spring fair to help serve the food and run events and included the grade 8 class in the serving of food at the annual Strawberry Social. My heart sang when we received a thank you card that included a note “You made our little school feel big.” Shortly after I attended a graduation ceremony to present the WI award. When the valedictorian reflected on his memories he noted the Strawberry Social as a highlight. The answer to my question as to whether we could make a difference was answered and I knew with full assurance that yes, we were.
I am eternally grateful to the Women’s Institute for their years of service and for their influence and shaping of my young life. I am also so thankful that the work continues, and I get to be part of two amazing branches and to carry on the tradition, love and support to my community.
Memories are a beautiful thing and when mine flood back as they often do… I think of the random acts of kindness, the generosity and devotion and the hard work of a group of women who knew they could make a difference, shape lives and invest in the future. It is now my privilege to carry on that work and to invest in my community. It all started… and it all continues because of “Women Who Care and Women Who Share” and I am so proud to be part of the history and the future of a special group of remarkable women called the Women’s Institute.
FWIC WI CANADA YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Did you know that FWIC has a YouTube Channel?
To access the channel, open YouTube on any device, and in the search bar, type in FWIC WI Canada. Scroll down until you find the FWIC crest (shown below). Click on the symbol, and it will show the videos we have published.
The following events are now available on the FWIC- WI Canada YouTube Channel and include:
(1) WI Day 2026 and the link is:
https://youtu.be/SP5ij31mNUg
(2) Earth Day –The Circular Economy and Sustainable Style and the link is: FWIC WI CANADA YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Did you know that FWIC has a YouTube Channel?
To access the channel, open YouTube on any device, and in the search bar, type in FWIC WI Canada. Scroll down until you find the FWIC crest (shown below). Click on the symbol, and it will show the videos we have published.
The following events are now available on the FWIC- WI Canada YouTube Channel and include:
(1) WI Day 2026 and the link is:
https://youtu.be/SP5ij31mNUg
(2) Earth Day –The Circular Economy and Sustainable Style and the link is: https://youtu.be/fm0JnAfdvrI
Did you know that FWIC has a YouTube Channel?
To access the channel, open YouTube on any device, and in the search bar, type in FWIC WI Canada. Scroll down until you find the FWIC crest (shown below). Click on the symbol, and it will show the videos we have published.
The following events are now available on the FWIC- WI Canada YouTube Channel and include:
(1) WI Day 2026 and the link is:
https://youtu.be/SP5ij31mNUg
(2) Earth Day –The Circular Economy and Sustainable Style and the link is: FWIC WI CANADA YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Did you know that FWIC has a YouTube Channel?
To access the channel, open YouTube on any device, and in the search bar, type in FWIC WI Canada. Scroll down until you find the FWIC crest (shown below). Click on the symbol, and it will show the videos we have published.
The following events are now available on the FWIC- WI Canada YouTube Channel and include:
(1) WI Day 2026 and the link is:
https://youtu.be/SP5ij31mNUg
(2) Earth Day –The Circular Economy and Sustainable Style and the link is: https://youtu.be/fm0JnAfdvrI
Ideas and suggestions FWIO would like to share regarding Families, submitted by Cheryl Sullivan
In Ontario, families remain at the heart of strong, resilient communities. FWIO believes that when families are supported, women are empowered, children thrive, and communities become safer and healthier. Our members across branches, districts and areas, consistently identify family well being as a top issue because it affects every stage of life—from early childhood to caregiving for aging parents.
1. Support Caregivers Across the Lifespan
Women continue to shoulder the majority of caregiving responsibilities, whether for children, aging parents, or extended family members. FWIO encourages:
• Expanded access to flexible work arrangements and caregiving leave
• Increased public awareness of family status protections under the Ontario Human Rights Code
• Better coordination of services for caregivers, who are supporting both children and aging parents
Recognizing and valuing unpaid care work is essential to economic stability and community health.
2. Strengthen Child and Youth Supports
Ontario’s evolving child protection and family law frameworks highlight the importance of prevention, early intervention, and stability for children. FWIO supports:
• Continued improvements to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act that prioritize family centred and culturally appropriate care
• Wrap-arounds supports for youth transitioning from care, including housing, education, and mental health resources
• Community based education to help families understand mandatory reporting, parental rights, and available supports
Strong foundations in childhood lead to better lifelong outcomes.
3. Ensure Equitable Treatment for All Families
FWIO supports legislation such as the All Families Are Equal Act, which recognizes the diversity of modern families. Our members encourage:
• Public education to reduce stigma and improve understanding of diverse family structures
• Ongoing review of policies to ensure inclusivity for all family structures
• Clear, accessible legal processes so families can focus on caregiving rather than court navigation
Equity strengthens trust in institutions and builds belonging.
4. Improve Affordability and Economic Security
Rising costs continue to strain families across Ontario. FWIO believes families benefit when governments:
• Maintain affordable, high quality Child Care and expand spaces where shortages remain
• Strengthen enforcement and responsiveness of child and spousal support systems
• Ensure social supports keep pace with the real cost of living, particularly in rural and northern communities
Economic security enables women to work, volunteer, and lead.
5. Foster Family Engagement in Education
Families play a crucial role in educational success. FWIO welcomes efforts to strengthen communication between families and schools and suggests:
• Clear, accessible pathways for families to raise concerns and seek resolution
• Increased resources for Student and Family Support Offices
• Encouraging meaningful family engagement, especially during times of transition or challenge
When families and schools work together, students succeed.
6. Invest in Community Based Solutions
Local Women’s Institutes know their communities best. FWIO encourages:
• Continued investment in grassroots, community led initiatives
• Partnerships between government, nonprofits, and volunteer organizations
• Recognition of volunteer contributions that support family well being and social connection
Strong communities grow from local action.
In closing for more than 125 years, Women’s Institutes in Ontario have understood that supporting families is not a single policy—but a shared responsibility. FWIO believes that informed legislation, inclusive practices, and community driven solutions together create the conditions where families—and the women within them—can flourish.
In Ontario, families remain at the heart of strong, resilient communities. FWIO believes that when families are supported, women are empowered, children thrive, and communities become safer and healthier. Our members across branches, districts and areas, consistently identify family well being as a top issue because it affects every stage of life—from early childhood to caregiving for aging parents.
1. Support Caregivers Across the Lifespan
Women continue to shoulder the majority of caregiving responsibilities, whether for children, aging parents, or extended family members. FWIO encourages:
• Expanded access to flexible work arrangements and caregiving leave
• Increased public awareness of family status protections under the Ontario Human Rights Code
• Better coordination of services for caregivers, who are supporting both children and aging parents
Recognizing and valuing unpaid care work is essential to economic stability and community health.
2. Strengthen Child and Youth Supports
Ontario’s evolving child protection and family law frameworks highlight the importance of prevention, early intervention, and stability for children. FWIO supports:
• Continued improvements to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act that prioritize family centred and culturally appropriate care
• Wrap-arounds supports for youth transitioning from care, including housing, education, and mental health resources
• Community based education to help families understand mandatory reporting, parental rights, and available supports
Strong foundations in childhood lead to better lifelong outcomes.
3. Ensure Equitable Treatment for All Families
FWIO supports legislation such as the All Families Are Equal Act, which recognizes the diversity of modern families. Our members encourage:
• Public education to reduce stigma and improve understanding of diverse family structures
• Ongoing review of policies to ensure inclusivity for all family structures
• Clear, accessible legal processes so families can focus on caregiving rather than court navigation
Equity strengthens trust in institutions and builds belonging.
4. Improve Affordability and Economic Security
Rising costs continue to strain families across Ontario. FWIO believes families benefit when governments:
• Maintain affordable, high quality Child Care and expand spaces where shortages remain
• Strengthen enforcement and responsiveness of child and spousal support systems
• Ensure social supports keep pace with the real cost of living, particularly in rural and northern communities
Economic security enables women to work, volunteer, and lead.
5. Foster Family Engagement in Education
Families play a crucial role in educational success. FWIO welcomes efforts to strengthen communication between families and schools and suggests:
• Clear, accessible pathways for families to raise concerns and seek resolution
• Increased resources for Student and Family Support Offices
• Encouraging meaningful family engagement, especially during times of transition or challenge
When families and schools work together, students succeed.
6. Invest in Community Based Solutions
Local Women’s Institutes know their communities best. FWIO encourages:
• Continued investment in grassroots, community led initiatives
• Partnerships between government, nonprofits, and volunteer organizations
• Recognition of volunteer contributions that support family well being and social connection
Strong communities grow from local action.
In closing for more than 125 years, Women’s Institutes in Ontario have understood that supporting families is not a single policy—but a shared responsibility. FWIO believes that informed legislation, inclusive practices, and community driven solutions together create the conditions where families—and the women within them—can flourish.
