The Women’s Institute (WI) is a non profit organization of women who volunteer their time to fill a need identified in the community. Its roots stem back to 1897 Ontario where it began, and continued, to provide education and support to rural women. The focus was on the health and wellness of the children, family and community.The movement soon grew across Canada and, indeed the world. Today, chances are very likely, that you’ve been touched by the dedicated and selfless works done by the Women’s Institute.

In the small town of Okanagan Falls, the WI is alive and well. Founded in 1921, this group of spirited women continues today with 23 active members, the oldest of which is 95.

For 86 years, the OK Falls WI has worked on many projects and events.  They’ve lobbied for area improvements, provided health education, supported families, built the current community centre hall, and often joined their provincial counterparts in initiatives to help children and the underprivileged…just to name a few.

Like all things, group mandates evolve and change with the times.  Public and Government programs took over much of the work done by the WI but they still remain a strong force within the community. They’re a quiet, unassuming group in Okanagan Falls and don’t like to toot their own horn, but are satisfied with remaining active, contributing members of their community. These days you’ll find them supporting literacy programs, volunteering and serving at community events, preparing gifts of books for the Kindergarten class or hosting their annual fundraising Bazaar.

One tradition that hasn’t changed though is the making of quilts. During WW2, the Okangan Falls WI, along with other B.C. Chapters, put their time and energy into quilt making. Together, they shipped over 8,400 quilts to Britain for the war effort.

The steady loyalty to their convictions kept the quilting practice alive in Okanagan Falls. The group now creates a patch work quilt every year to raffle at their annual Bazaar.  All profits support their Bursary fund for graduating students of South Okanagan Senior Secondary.
With a sense of pride in sisterhood, the ladies meet over several months, to assemble the remnants that become a coveted work of art.   Some work diligently with the needle, while others, perhaps not so nimble, sip tea and add to the chatter and camaraderie of the group.
This “together project” as they call it, is created over laughter and sometimes tears. It’s a time to share memories and occasionally offer a quiet strength of support for a friend in need.  Into each quilt is poured a sense of accomplishment and pride, and it shows in the finished product. It’s this quiet dedication and work ethic that’s kept the WI going strong for so many years.
 
The Bazaar and quilt raffle is on Saturday, November 17th, 2007, 10-2 in the OK Falls School gymnasium.  Purchase tickets from any Okanagan Falls WI member or at OK Falls Video Plus.  For more information contact Sandy Thomas at 497-5942 or Betty Lynch 497-6665.
 

By Faye E. Arcand