Empowering Women and Communities
How would you like to be a voice that is heard, make a difference in your community or learn a new skill?
Join British Columbia Women’s Institute!
Our Vision Statement
Women interested, Informed and Involved in Building a Better Tomorrow.
Who We Are
The Women’s Institute is an organisation for women who, by working together, expand their skills, broaden their interests and work together to improve conditions in the home, the community, and around the world through Service, Self-Fulfillment and Sociability.
Our Accomplishments
The WI has always been in the forefront of important issues such as :
From 1929 - 1938 WI campaigned the “ 3R-s” program, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
From 1949 - 1958 WI documented the existence of the Dogwood Flower Family in all ares of BC and influenced it being chosen as our floral emblem
1999 - 2008 - Campaigned against the use of Genetically Engineered Foods, opposed the introduction of terminator seeds
Started the first Buy BC campaign in the 1930’s
Successfully lobbied for changes to Dower Act, rewritten in 1947 so husband needed his wife’s consent to sell the family home
‘Agriculture in the Classroom’ developed by a WI member and introduced in BC schools
Founders of Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island (formerly—Queen Alexandra Center for children (Victoria)
Founders of BC Children’s Hospital (Vancouver)
Home Economics in Canadian Schools
Scholarships
4-H sponsors
Establishment of public health units province wide
Lobbied BC Tel for a special number for quick response to traumas and accidents, 911 was adopted in BC
Produced a set of Centennial History books . . . and much, much more!
These just a few of our many accomplishments and efforts to make our homes, communities and country a better place to live.
“What does WI mean to You?”
“I spent many years involved with a national service organisation and when I retired from that, I spent quite a few years wondering what the heck to do with myself. One of the Sinkut W. I. members literally hounded me to join as she had discovered this ‘Phenomenal group of ladies who turned her life around!’
After being out of the “volunteer loop” for a while, it is wonderful to be back among a group of non judgemental ladies, working for the same causes I believe in and all of whom I am so happy to say are friends of mine! Thank you Sinkut WI!!!”
-Christine Reinke
“I joined the WI after being invited by a friend. I enjoyed the fellowship and the opportunity to work with like minded women doing work for the betterment of our community.
I am a full-time working Mom of two school aged boys. I like that through the WI we can write resolutions to our government lobbying for changes we see that need to take place in our community.”
-Kim Coy
What Can WI Do For Me?
WI can be whatever you need it to be.
If you are looking for friendships and an organization to belong to the WI is for you.
If you are looking to learn new skills, WI promotes all those important skills such as cooking, preserving, sewing and gardening.
If you want to make changes to your communities and province, you can do so through local initiatives, campaigns, and resolutions.
WI works for all women because it is an organization based on fostering friendship and inclusion.
Ready to Join?
Women and women’s needs are at the heart of our organization. We offer opportunities to learn new skills, make new friendships, and make real changes in our communities.
I joined BCWI for the support, knowledge and love. I joined so I could better serve others and for the laughter and memories that I will carry with me forever. I finally found where I fit in and it was through the support and encouragement of some of the finest ladies anyone would ever wish for.
— Dayna Almond
History
We are proud of our history and how much we have accomplished for our communities and families. The Women’s Institutes have been active in BC since 1909. The legacy of friendship, inclusion, and being a voice for change is a strong and will continue as we welcome more women to join us moving forward.
Adelaide Hunter Hoodless
“In 1897, at Stoney Creek Ontario, Adelaide Hunter Hoodless' dream of an organisation to help women learn to better manage their homes and be more effective in preparing their children for the future came to fruition with the founding of the first Women's Institute.
Designed as both a place of learning and a source of friendship, it brought together the women from the countryside where they could share their knowledge and bring other women to teach them what they could not find for themselves. Whether it was how to make better bread, to preserve food, or to learn of remedies for children's illnesses, understood by other members, but new to newer mothers, this was welcomed by all who attended. As well, in the early days of settlement in rural Canada, it helped to assuage the loneliness and sense of isolation that many women faced. But most importantly, it included ALL the women of the area, without the divisions brought by different faiths, personal opinions on politics, or the barrier of racial differences.
“The Women's Institute was a bright new innovation, created in Canada, by a Canadian woman, who was ably assisted by Mr. Erland Lee of the Ontario Farmer's Institute. Initially designed for rural women, over the years women from all walks of life have joined to help themselves, as well as others and to help address the needs of their individual communities. Mrs. Hoodless believed that the education of women should be directed toward "a special attention to sanitation, a better understanding of the economic and hygienic value of foods and fuels, and a more scientific care of children with a view to raising the general standard of the life of our people."
“What was a dream for Mrs. Hoodless was now a reality; and in the time since 1897, millions of women, here and abroad, have joined together to build their own area of their country, and to assist others at home and overseas. The friendship factor should never be overlooked: this is the hallmark of an organisation that some joined "because it was there" and the longer they remained members, the more dedicated they became. There must be something very right about an organisation that records individual memberships of 50, 60 and 70 years duration!”
Read More History from our Archives
Board Members
President
Shelly Simrose
I’ve been a member of Sinkut WI starting 37 years ago. After taking a few years off raising our 2 daughters and 1 son, I rejoined approximately 20 years ago. I have held the position of branch president for the past 15 years. As well I served as president for 5 years for the Central Interior District, and as vice president. I was elected to the BC Provincial Board in 2018. In this time I have been the Chair of the Victoria Salliss Creative Arts Legacy Committee. I have enjoyed all the new friendships and the learning of so many things.
Email : simroses@bcwi.ca
Vice President
Kimberly Rorstrom-Wittig
As a Sinkut WI Director I became the Safe-Home Liaison, represented our WI on the Safe Home’s Board of Directors for 3 years, and initiated Start-Up-Kits that developed into a BCWI Provincial Project. We are currently working on our 10th Start-Up-Kit. We aim to do at least one Start-Up-Kit per year. Fundraising and donations support this cause. Currently I am the SWI President as Shelly Simrose stepped down to focus on her position as our BCWI President. With the SWI support I continue to be the Safe-Home Liaison.
With the BCWI I created the newsletter column, “Our Well of Wellness…”; writing health and wellness related articles on Food Waste Management, Deprescribing, Mental Health, etc. More recently, with the support of the BCWI Board & Membership, I developed the BCWI Forensic Nursing Bursary and oversee this Project. Fundraising and donations support this cause. I gathered 3 guest speakers for the BCWI Triennial held in Kamloops in June of 2023. Currently I am the BCWI VP.
Last year the FWIC Board invited me to their Resolution Committee and Communications Committee. I’ve become a FWIC Communication Liaison. I took the Leadership Training Modules and enjoy attending FWIC Webinars. I’ve introduced a Sexual Violence Against Women Resolution to the FWIC/WI Canada Board. Moving forward, my hope is that our Provincial Forensic Nursing Bursary gets Canada-wide support.
Creating projects that have a broad reach and a positive impact is fulfilling and I am grateful to the BCWI Board and Membership and the FWIC Board for supporting the volunteer work that I’m involved in.
For Home and Country, Kimberly Rorstrom-Wittig
Email : rorstrom-wittigk@bcwi.ca
Director
Vicki Hess
I became a W.I. member in 1974, while taking my grandma to the meetings. My mother was a lifetime member and helped start the North Blueberry W.I. I guess W.I. is in my blood.
The past few years I have been the president of the Cecil Lake Recreation, I spent quite a few hours grant writing for Cecil Lake and helping other communities. Vernon was going to have to shut their seniors home down because their heating system was going to cost more than they could afford. I was watching the news on TV and saw this. I phoned down and spoke with the director of the home and helped them get the funds for their heating system.
I guess I am one person who likes to help and see progress, that is what I have learned of myself.
Email : vickihess7@icloud.com
Director
Fay Van Horn
As a young mom, I joined Quick WI and was lucky enough to have the mentorship of the likes of Barbara Jeffery, Elvira Harding and Ivy Middleton. After a few years, I went back to work and joined Glenwood WI as they had evening meetings. With Glenwood I have held the positions of Director, Secretary and President, currently President/Secretary.
Glenwood belongs to Bulkley Tweedsmuir District, and I have held positions of Director and President of the District. Most currently I have been a Provincial Director for two terms, and worked on Resolutions for all of you. I have the time to devote to Women’s Institute even though I spend three months of the year out of the country with Internet magic, I don’t miss anything.
I have been married for over 50 years to Jim, have three adult children, six grandchildren and one adorable great grandson who is almost on year old. We do lots of camping in the summer, mostly with family, and Jim devotes lots of time to gardening in an attempt to grow as must of our own food as possible.
Email: telkwatofsrud1@gmail.com
Past President
Colleen Hooper
When I joined Northside WI, I was very impressed with the hard work the women did. They worked to better their community as well as resolutions that were passed in the Victoria legislature. The more I got to know my branch members, the prouder I was to be a member and be elected to the various positions I held. With each position I learned more. Not just about making jam or sewing quilts but issues that are important in our communities and would benefit not only BC but the rest of the provinces and Canada as a whole.
Don’t underestimate the power of older women drinking tea! Some of our best conversations took place while drinking tea and sewing quilts.
I have built so many amazing and genuine friendships with not only the women from branches all across Canada but other countries as well. Now that’s empowerment of women!
E-Mail: 1cjhooper@gmail.com
BC Representative to FWIC
Colleen Hooper
I joined because I had to get out of my shell. I had just retired from being a Care-Aid due to my health issue. As I look into the history of what the WI has done, I stand proud as a member. I too love volunteering for home and country.
— Dannica Turner
Ready to Join?
Your local branch is waiting to welcome you! Join the women province-wide leaving an impact on their communities and making life-long friendships.