Special to the Nor’Wester
Newfoundland and Labrador Women’s Institute (NLWI) is celebrating 75 years of community service this year. Ladies from the Springdale Women’s Institute Branch met on Monday at Camp Samways for a full day of celebratory fellowship. They came together, not only to celebrate their great milestone, but to do what they do best. They worked on their many crafts such as weaving, hooking, sewing and even spinning wool. They also worked on a special 75th Anniversary flag that was designed by Beverly Wells, one of their own members. The flag will be proudly flown at the Women’s Institute room located at the Town Hall in Springdale. The ladies also enjoyed a luncheon and an evening BBQ.
The Jubilee Guild was formed in Springdale in 1937 and in 1968 the Guild became part of the Federated Women’s Institute of Canada (FWIC). It then became known as the Newfoundland and Labrador Women’s Institute (NLWI). The original goal of the organization was to educate women on the skills of the day such as spinning, weaving and sewing. Home nursing was also an important role of the members of the Springdale Branch prior to the first hospital being built in the community.
In addition to their commitments to the NLWI, the women of the Springdale Branch continue to contribute to the community by supporting youth through scholarships and sponsorships, collecting for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, donating to the local food bank, and knitting items such as preemies and turbans for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Sadie Foster is the President of the Springdale Branch which currently consists of 43 active members. Sadie said that they are still a vibrant group that meet every Tuesday and Friday for weaving and fellowship, and they will continue to serve their community.
