1937 - Convention Report

              so ALBERTA WOMEN'S INSTITUTES
Fairview have assisted in equipping the children's playground, as well as
carrying on the main work of operating a hospital.
A very fine spirit is being shown in the work being carried on by the Hinter­land
Branch at Hines Creek. Reports tell of members having driven over bad
roads and in rough weather to attend meetings. These outlying districts present
the problem of many needy expectant mothers, and Hines Creek acknowledges
with thanks and appreciation the many layettes sent them from other Branches.
Some of the demonstrations include making angel cake, crepe paper hats,
knitting, relief modelling, making flower novelties from tin cans and crepe paper.
Grouard Constituency— Mrs. H . L . Saucke, Convener. Has five Branches:
High Prairie, Kinuso, Enilda, Big Meadows, McLennan. These Branches are
very active in sponsoring clinics, visiting the sick, caring for the needy, and play
a great part in community life. High Prairie assisted the Board of Trade in
building sidewalks in the village, and provided equipment for playgrounds at
school . Kinuso provided layettes for needy mothers, paid for organ and repairs
to hall. Enilda held plays, dances, bazaars to raise funds for hall and Christmas
tree to children. Big Meadows also held plays, dances, bazaars. McLennan
raised over $ 500.00 for large community hall and a new gate for the cemetery.
Grande Prairie Constituency, with Mrs. A. D. Wishart, Convener, has eight
Branches: Sexsmith, Grande Prairie, Beaver Lodge, Millarston, Rio Grande,
Lymburn, Goodfare and Busy Bees.
Sexsmith's outstanding work is the support of a four- bed maternity hospital,
but they have been active in other lines, contributing equipment for gymnasium,
books for school, medals for musical festival, and helped with the upkeep of the
cemetery.
Grande Prairie maintains a two- bed waiting room with kitchen facilities for
use of expectant mothers coming in to the hospital; sponsored a baby clinic;
packed Christmas hampers; contributed milk for undernourished school children,
and sponsored an art lecture and one on landscape gardening.
At Beaverlodge a real need is felt for a small local hospital, and efforts are
being centred on this project for the year. They do relief work, provide school
books and take an active part in the community life.
Millarston, a country Branch, is very active. They conduct a school fair,
supplying the seeds and prizes. They also provide a hot lunch for the school
children during the winter.
Rio Grande, Lymburn, Goodfare, and the Busy Bees of Valhalla, all country
Branches, report great activity in supporting community halls, which are so
necessary in rural districts. They all are interested in the welfare of the school
children and assist in sickness and do much real welfare work.
It is with deep regret that I report the deaths of three outstanding Institute
women in District No. 1. Mrs. Margaret Boyd, a former District Director and
valued member of the Fairview Branch; Mrs. L . H . Shearer, founder and President
of the Hinterland Branch, and Mrs. Clubine, of Grande Prairie. These three
pioneer women of sterling worth and outstanding qualities of leadership have
carried on in the face of unusual difficulties, contributing in a large measure to
the work of the Institute, leaving a lasting impression on the different com­munities
which they helped to establish and in which they lived. We pay tribute
to the memory of these fine women. . ,
In bringing my report to a close, which also terminates my office as Director,
may I add a word of appreciation to the Constituency Conveners, Secretaries and
Institute members throughout the whole Peace River country for their helpful
cooperation, for the many kindnesses shown me in the District, the hearty wel­come
accorded me, and other courtesies extended to me, I am very grateful. It
has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with such a fine band of women, and
I shall cherish the friendships formed during these years.
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