WI swings into action to aid the community
Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington,SunderlandWest and Shadow Veterans' Minister,sentamessagetothegroup saying:"IamsorrythatIamnot abletobewithyouinpersontoday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
“Where there's a will there is a way in the WI."
As in the Second World War, members of the WI today have been helping to keep the community spirit going and have been reaching out a helping hand to those in need during lockdown.
MargaretCarter,federation chairman of Tyne and Wear South Federation of WIs, said: “The WI was heavily involved in the war effort on the home front,fromorganisingtheevacuation of vulnerable children and adults, jam making and food preserving, growing produce, knitting for troops and women in occupied countries, salvage collecting and raising vastsoupsofmoneytobuyambulances.
“In the current crisis many members are key workers, nurses, teachers, police officers, cleaners, carers, retail workers and of course many are working from home and homeschoolingtheirchildren.
“Those confined to home and not able to participate outsidetheirhomeshavealsobeen active. Across the Federation manyhavebeensewingscrubs bags for health professionals, making masks and mask retainers for those who need them, knitting/crocheting hearts for those families who are tragically separated from lovedonesandunabletoattend care homes and funerals.
“Some members have continued with their craft work selling items and donating profits to NHS charities. One WI baked hundreds of cakes and scones to be distributed in Hope and Glory boxes to living at home and care projects.
“Many members are shopping for others and keeping in contact through networks of telephone calls. As always the WI members have made huge efforts to contribute to the nation’s well being.”