gather for meetings to discuss important matters and to help the people of Knutsford, as well as the province and, if needed, the country like we did in wartime.”

Vice President Orell Smallman said, “I hope that young women of the Knutsford community realize what a wonderful organization the Women’s Institute is and become members. And the life-time friendships they will make working and volunteering, making a difference at home. They won’t be doing it alone: it’s a team effort. Working with your friends doesn’t feel like work at all, it’s fun.”

Betty Sweet, secretary treasurer of the KWI said, "At the present time, I am not optimistic about the future of Knutsford WI. However, my hope is that younger members of the community will see the value of this organization and continue the legacy which began almost 100 years ago.”

Member after member reiterated the need for new members. They may be low in

numbers now at the K WI, but one person can make a difference. Adelaide Hoodless was one woman who was determined to tell all the women she could of the need for education on the subject of the science of home economics after the death of her son (from unpasteurized milk).

Now the Women’s Institute has nine million members in 70 countries. Imagine having nine million sisters in 70 countries.

Now, you wouldn’t have to send them all a Christmas card or gift, but you could exchange ideas and help others in different countries as well as home.

There are 6,300 institutes in England alone with 220,000 members strong. In fact, it is the largest voluntary women’s organization in the UK.

Young people thinking that going to Africa or Haiti would be cool to volunteer need not go outside their community to make a difference. And you never know where it could lead you.

There is no ‘I’ in team, all the members work together and make the hard work fun. Think of all the possibilities of how many topics there are that YOU can help bring awareness to and who knows, perhaps change for the better of the future.

Environment, pollution, education, child welfare, the almost extinction of so many

animals, whales, polar bears and so many, many other important causes. Work hard and have fun, that’s the Women’s Institute way. - Regina Yeo

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