The Fisher Branch Women’s Institute began its new year with a Christmas gathering where it recognized three dedicated members for their years of service.
Lori Smith, Bernice Enstrom and Rosie Barrett were celebrated for dedicating 26, 44 and 68 years, respectively, to the institute.
The next course of business was the installation of the new executive and board of directors, followed by fun, fellowship and a delicious supper at the Fisher Branch Golf Club Chinese Restaurant.
The institute’s efforts in community development are instrumental in maximizing the positive outcomes of Fisher Branch events and strengthening the vibrancy of the community.
For 75 years, the institute has provided services and programming to families and youth in the community.
In 2023, its programming was funded by members and volunteers who helped develop, strengthen and maintain the following:
- Purchasing of sports equipment as required by the RM recreation program
- Scholarships to numerous graduating students going into post-secondary edu-cational programs
- Provision of an annual community BBQ and picnic with children’s activities
- Funding of buses required to transport students from the schools to the recreation centre to participate in skating, curling and physical education programs
- Support of the musical programs of the Fisher Branch Festival of the Arts
- Purchase of heart defibrillators (AED) for the golf course and community hall
- Purchase of the AED battery and chest pad replacements, as required
- Fire safety programming in the school
- Participation in the school’s “I Love to Read” programs
- Funding of medical treatments for specialized needs of area children
- Helping prepare and donate to the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox program
- As a member of the Manitoba Women’s Institute provincial body, the Fisher Branch group participates in the Made in Manitoba Projects by coordinating projects within its community and area. Recent initiatives have included:
- Provision of supplies required for the care of domestic abuse victims and their children at Nova House in Selkirk
- Collecting and funding for household and personal items for Ukrainian immigrants
- Collection and funding of food hamper supplies for the food bank used by RM of Fisher residents
- Provision of backpacks with school supplies for children to assist them in at-tending school
- Coordination and funding of an annual recreation fair to promote child, youth and family programming in the community.
- Participation on community boards, including the adult senior resource and meals program, community centre and Chamber of Commerce
The institute welcomes the participation of all women who would like to share their ideas and energy in strengthening the community.
Group members meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Chalet community room. For further information email mbwi@mymts.net or follow on the Fisher Branch Community Events Facebook page.
Stay tuned the institute has many new events being planned for 2024.
