Fonds - Komoka Women's Institute Fonds

The Komoka Women’s Institute was organized Jan 11, 1913 with Mrs. Alexander Wilkins as President, Mrs. N. Robinson as First vice-president and Miss Edna Campbell as secretary treasurer. During WWI the members adopted a prisoner of war sending parcels to that soldier, as well as sewing other clothing items for soldiers and their families. Komoka Women’s Institute disbanded in 1995.
The first Canadian Womens Institute was established by Mrs. Adelaide Hoodless on February 9, 1897 in Stoney Creek Ontario. In 1904 the Ontario Department of Agriculture began funding seven full-time staff to help promote an organized Womens Institute in communities throughout the province. By 1913 Institutes were established in all of the provinces. The Federated Womens Institute of Canada (FWIC) was formed in 1919 when provincial representatives met in Winnipeg. This national organization co-ordinates the activities of the provincial Womens Institutes. Each provincial association is represented on the national board. The motto of the FWIC is For Home and Country ‘with the purpose of promoting the appreciation of rural life as well as educate citizens about national and international issues (particularly affecting women and children). The Federated Womens Institute of Ontario began in 1919. In 1935, Lady Susan Tweedsmuir, wife of Lord Tweedsmuir, Governor General of Canada from 1935-1940, suggested the Ontario Womens Institute branches keep local history books, similar to those in England. The Tweedsmuir Histories were officially named in 1947. Apart from local philanthropy and fundraising, the Womens Institutes were instrumental in lobbying for pasteurization of milk, wrapping bread, the use of white lines on highways and other accomplishments. For more information about the Federated Women`s Institute of Ontario visit the website at: http://www.fwio.on.ca/