Dufferin-Peel WI held annual Women’s Day at Mono Centre

December 1, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Peter Richardson
The Dufferin-Peel chapter of the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario held their annual Women’s Day recently at the Mono Community Centre.
Dufferin-Peel is a member of the largest women’s organization in the world, that works for the betterment of all women, regardless of race, creed or political beliefs. They are “Women Interested, Women Informed and Women Involved,” to quote their pamphlet and use a wide range of programs to forward these goals.
They hold educational meetings on current topics, advocate on a broad range of issues, interpret and record local histories and offer post secondary scholarships to graduating students, to list but a few of their initiatives.
Saturday’s event was attended by some 150 ladies and saw both the Mono Mayor Laura Ryan and Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones welcome the assembled members and their guests. Both contributed door prizes after their welcoming speeches.
One of the ladies, manning the registration desk, explained that this was the third year for the event and already it had to be moved, from Monora Park to the Community Centre due to the dramatic increase in attendance.
Following the opening addresses, the ladies heard an inspirational presentation by Joy Foster, a recording artist and motivational speaker. Her presentation centred on the importance of recognizing your inner strength as both a woman and a mother and the inspiration that this presents to loved ones and friends. Entitled Secrets of a Confident Woman, the talk saw lots of enthusiasm and participation by the audience and was well received.
Coffee and muffins baked by members followed, before two ladies from HomeSense, Carol-Anne from the Orangeville store and Lisa from HomeSense in Bolton, demonstrated two holiday table arrangements. The first was a rustic country look, while the second featured a more glamorous New Year’s presentation.
The group then broke for a much-appreciated lunch of chicken and rice supplied by Marie’s Catering from Marie’s Valley Inn Restaurant in Grand Valley, which was followed by a selection of member-supplied cakes for dessert.
After lunch, a 50/50 Draw in support of the Choices Youth Shelter was held and the lucky winner of $325 was Annette Overland. April Nash from the Choices Youth Shelter, then gave a short talk about the opportunities presented to youth at the shelter, before Sue McCutcheon from BDO gave a talk on the fine art of balancing your financial affairs and the many options available to accomplish that.
Once the women had accomplished their financial planning, Kendra Anderson from Just Be, on Broadway in Orangeville, gave them a chance to dispose of their disposable income, with a fashion show, featuring Canadian designed fashions worn by four models, provided by Kendra and eight member models who graced the runway.
Joy Trimble then delivered the closing remarks and “thank yous” to all the guests and members.
Next year will mark the 120th year for the WI in Ontario and there are many celebrations planned to mark the occasion. Feb. 19 will be designated as Women’s Institute Day, but that entire week is WI Week across Canada. Anyone wishing to become a part of the organization or to find out more information can do so at the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario website, at www.fwio.on.ca, or by calling 905-662-2691.