NLIS 3
June 29, 2005
(Executive Council)
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
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