​Bruce County Women’s Institute hosts 67th rally meeting at Port Elgin Legion

The Bruce County Women's Institute hosted its 67th rally meeting at the Port Elgin Legion, Wednesday, Oct. 23.

The theme was “Community Involvement,” and president Bren de Leeuw welcomed 29 W.I. members. All branches reported on their varied and extensive involvement with their communities and working with other community groups.

Grey-Bruce area president Roseanne Judge, Grey County secretary Myrna Casemore, past board director Linda Tottenham, retiring area voting delegate Barrie Owen and current delegate Alyssa Phillippi brought greetings and reports.

The provincial president, Michelle Phillippi, had good reports from the province after attending many of the Area Conventions. She is excited to be serving a third year as president and making new friends everywhere. The Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) annual meeting is Jan. 15, 2025, in Stoney Creek. There is need for a membership and education co-ordinator for the FWIO board.

Purple Valley W.I. with Linda Tottenham had the group singing with enthusiasm to several well-known songs. A delicious lunch of soup, sandwiches and squares had the ladies ready for the afternoon.

Guest speaker was Heather Finnie of Ripley, who was introduced by Bervie W.I. member, Ellen Waye.

Finnie gave some insight into the reasons for getting involved with your community and the many benefits for your health and well-being. She outlined some of the various organizations where she serves as a leader, chairperson or a volunteer, how she manages to help when needed, and just how simple it is to support the events and charities she does.

She encouraged everyone to help out whenever and wherever we can. "It's not about me, it's about we." She was thanked by the Purple Grove branch.

The Silent Auction proceeds were $305. Winner of the $500 open scholarship was Elise Stewart of Lion's Head. There were no applications for the apprenticeship and workplace training scholarship. We were encouraged to ask any young people who are graduating, to fill out these scholarships for their first or second year of post-secondary education.

President Bren de Leeuw had a poem from the British Columbia W.I. about advertising the benefits of being a Women’s Institute member. A group photo was taken to spread the word! She also reminded us of the benefits of smiling – it’s infectious, it reduces pain, and it makes us more attractive! So, smile, it’s for your own good!



About 30 members of the Bruce County Women's Institute gather for a rally meeting in Port Elgin; photo courtesy of Fran Farrell