Women’s group seeks members
Membership numbers with the Gander branch of the Women’s Institute are not what they used to be.
“We have declined quite a lot in our membership,” says branch president Delores Jones.
Thirty years ago, the Gander branch of the WI had more than 100 members. Today, it’s down to just 28 individuals in Gander.
Jones is the president of the Gander branch as well as the past president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Women’s Institute. The institute is a provincial organization with 26 branches across the province. The WI calls itself an informal educational organization. They are concerned with expanding the skills of their members, broadening their interests and strengthening the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.
Despite their small number, the WI in Gander is still doing quite a lot for the community.
The WI has made and donated hundreds of items to personal care homes in the community. Among these are fidget blankets, which are interactive quilts that can bring comfort to people with dementia who want to occupy their hands.
In addition, last year, the WI donated more than 35 quilts to the Cara House for women and families fleeing family violence. They have also donated hundreds of fleece and cotton caps called comfort caps to the James Paton Memorial Cancer Clinic. The caps are free to those undergoing chemotherapy. In December 2022, the WI dropped 29 caps off to the clinic. Less than two months later, the clinic only has four left. The WI has plans to make more. They are selling tickets on a quilt so proceeds may buy material for this and similar initiatives.
“We’re mainly concerned with being able to help people” says Mabel Miller, one of the public relations representatives with the Gander WI.
The group has also been known to make financial contributions to the Kiwanis Music Festive and the Girls Guides.
When they are not supporting the community, the WI supports its own members through social activities including crafting activities, guest speakers and outings. A previous event was to the Salmonid Interpretation Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor and this location is being considered again for their next outing.
The group is currently planning a district meeting, where they will be hosting other WI groups from Trinity, Glovertown, and Glenwood/Appleton this spring.
The Gander WI generally meets the first Monday of each month (except during the summer) at 1 p.m. upstairs in the Gander - Arts and Culture Centre. Women of all ages are welcome to join in on the meetings as potential new members.