Minister supports new phase of "Into the North" project

Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, today recognized the success of the Federated Women�s Institutes of Canada (FWIC) "Into the North" project which has embraced two communities in Northern Labrador. The goal of the project is to improve the lives of women and their families in that region by providing for the needs of new parents and their children.

"I was pleased to have the opportunity to see first-hand the incredible assortment of items which have been collected by Women�s Institute branches across the province," said Minister Burke. "I am truly impressed with the amount of care that has gone into creating items such as knitted infant clothes and toys and handmade quilts.

"I applaud the FWIC for their desire to help other women, many of whom face real challenges in providing for their families. I know these donations will go a long way towards easing those concerns."

To date, Hopedale has received a first major shipment of infant supplies, toys, books, clothing and toiletries, in addition to items for mothers and older children. A similar shipment will be arriving in Sheshatshui later this week. A second shipment to each community is expected to take place in mid-July.

While the majority of goods so far have come from Women�s Institute branches within Newfoundland and Labrador, more than $4,000 has also been donated by the organization�s members from across the country. FWIC has been working with community leaders to determine where those funds would be best spent.

"Provincial presidents and FWIC executive officers from across the country will be coming to Newfoundland and Labrador in early July for our annual board meeting," said Margaret Yetman, FWIC national president. "I expect each of them will likely be bringing extra suitcases to bring more donations of goods with them as well as more cash donations.

"I am grateful for the amount of support received from across Canada for this initiative and I would like to thank our membership for taking on the challenge so enthusiastically. Thanks also to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their $5,000 donation and to Minister Joan Burke and the Women�s Policy Office for their help with this project."

Photo #1: Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, donates $5,000 on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to the Federated Women�s Institutes of Canada�s �Into the North� project. Accepting the donation are Margaret Yetman, national president; and Jaunita Lester, executive office for Newfoundland and Labrador.


Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-4062 or 689-2624

2005 06 29                                  3:00 p.m.