The Fisher Branch Women’s Institute (WI) celebrated a remarkable milestone last week, honouring 12 long-standing members whose combined volunteer service adds up to 476 years.
The Sept. 3 gathering at the Ukrainian National Hall drew community members and dignitaries including Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman MP James Bezan, Interlake-Gimli MLA Derek Johnson, RM of Fisher Reeve Shannon Pyziak, Manitoba WI president Debra Barrett, and Gisela Nolting, Manitoba coordinator with the Associated Country Women of the World.
Certificates of recognition and words of thanks were presented to Darcy Truthwaite (25 years), Patti Witzke (27), Lori Smith (28), Agnes Mawejje (29), Ida Draper (35), June Kopys (35), Nellie Smith (40), Elenor Nowosad (41), Pat Cancers (47), Bernice Enstrom (48), Dianne Magnusson (51) and Rosie Barrett, who marked an extraordinary 70 years of service.
For 77 years, the Fisher Branch WI has been part of a broader movement that empowers women and supports families and communities. The Manitoba Women’s Institute describes its mission as “providing education and skills development opportunities for women, advocating for issues which strengthen women and families, and making communities better places to live.”
The Fisher Branch branch has lived that mandate through projects as wide-ranging as helping fund a local hospital and medical equipment, pushing for white lines on highways and reflective markings on railcars, and most recently advocating for cellular and internet coverage across the Interlake. In 2024, members hosted a community drug awareness presentation, and this fall they will partner with the Joy Smith Foundation to deliver presentations on human trafficking for students and the wider community on Oct. 15.
Fisher Branch WI president Sheena Letexier reminded the audience that the organization has been active in the community since 1948, when it was chartered with 12 members. Today, it continues with 24 active members.
“From 1948 until today, that is exactly what these women have volunteered to do,” she said. “Whether it was teaching the skills of home canning garden produce or setting up a baby clinic in Mrs. Zabatiuk’s home, the WI was involved.”
Letexier recounted how members supported the building of a hospital in 1949, providing supplies, furnishings and even handmade garments for patients ahead of the facility’s opening in 1950. She noted the sacrifices made by women of that era, who juggled household and farm chores—often without electricity or indoor plumbing—yet still found time to volunteer.
Over the decades, members have organized bake sales, packed Christmas candy bags for schoolchildren, delivered care packages, acted in the popular “Beer and Skits” shows, and raised money for causes ranging from scholarships to playground equipment.
“Where would our community of Fisher Branch be if the WI had not been active?” Letexier asked, before unfurling a scroll capturing eight decades of projects and achievements.
Letexier pointed out that many of these contributions went unheralded over the years. “Little recognition has been given to these women,” she said. “No one has a checklist for the hours spent baking, pulling weeds at the WI Park, typing and creating cookbooks, or planning social events. But all of these activities raised the funds needed to support families and improve our community.”
While five members have received provincial or federal honours, Letexier said the evening was about recognizing the collective impact of all members, past and present. She also thanked the “unsung” volunteers from the wider community who stepped forward over the years to help with projects, from trimming trees to setting up sound systems.
Guests at last week’s celebration were treated to music, photo displays and time to share stories over refreshments. The Fisher Branch WI meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Chalet, with new members and visitors always welcome.
