​Bervie W.I, UCW learn about Home and Community Support Services

The Bervie Women’s Institute and the Bervie United Church Women (UCW) met jointly at the Bervie United Church, Wednesday afternoon, with 19 in attendance.

President Bev. Berndt welcomed everyone and the meeting opened with O Canada, the Opening Ode, UCW Purpose, Mary Stewart Collect and grace.

Sandra MacDonald introduced Cody Hay, volunteer resource co-ordinator at Grey-Bruce Home and Community Support Services. She explained many of the services offered which include Meals on Wheels (both hot and frozen), Day Away Program, adult overnight respite care in Hanover and Owen Sound, friendly visiting program, housekeeping and transportation. These services are funded by the government and grants, and are subsidized for low-income families.

Volunteers are always needed and anyone interested in helping out for just a few hours per week or every other week, is most welcome to contact Cody. Volunteers must pass a vulnerable safety check, and education is available to train for their services. Sandra offered thanks to Cody and presented her with a monetary donation for the Meals on Wheels program.

The W.I. Roll Call, “What is a visitor to you?” was answered. Everyone loves to have visitors. Islay Eby read the minutes of the last meeting and gave the treasurer’s report. Reports were given by Sandra for Sunshine and Ellen Waye for Tweedsmuir. Betty Anne Thompson and Ellen gave a report on the District Annual held May 23 in Chesley. Ellen is now past-president and Betty Anne is first-vice. The program included an excellent presentation by South Bruce OPP constable Melissa Barfoot about “Human Trafficking.”

The Bervie W.I. recently presented its latest $20,000 donation to the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation capital campaign at Kincardine Hospital.



Members of the Bervie W.I. present a $20,000 donation to the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation; from left, are Betty Anne Thompson, Sandra MacDonald, Janice Hewitt, Betty Jean White, Mary Hall of the foundation, Mildred Griffith, Diane Wilson, Islay Eby and Dianne MacArthur of the foundation

The meeting closed with the closing ode and the singing of “God Save the King.”

The next meeting will be July 3, at the Children’s Safety Village outside Hanover. Please bring a bag lunch - more details to follow.

Special thanks to the lunch group who served delicious rhubarb cake, angel food cake and fresh strawberries.