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International (onvenor’s R rt . Christine Reaburn ACWW Area Conference "Working with Women Worldwide" brought 137 members from eleven Category 1 and 2 Socie- ties to St. Hyacinthe for a weekend of learning, sharing and interaction. The Conference was opened by The Honourable Lise Thibault, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, who talked of the important role of volunteers in today's world. Area President Elizabeth Rushton welcomed the World President Hilda Stewart, Deputy World President Ursula Goh and ACWW United Nations Chair Sandra Broderick-Allen, all of whom spoke of their work on behalf of members around the world. The ACWW World President noted the upcom- ing Workshop and Area Conference of the Caribbean, Central and South America in Costa Rica, which will be held in conjunction with lead- ership workshops funded by Agriterra and ACWW. Stewart stated there are 13 million orphans in Africa due to AIDS, although the disease is growing faster in Russia than any- where else in the world. She also reported that ACWW is lobbying the United Nations for an “lntemational Year of Food Security." The Deputy World President Ursula Goh scribed her visits to agricultural projects and the vagaries of travel in the developing world. Woman of Excellence in Agriculture Award On November 11. 2002, Josie Wintersinâ€" ger received the Woman of Excellence in Agriculture Award sponsored by the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario (FWIO). The presentation of the annual award took place during the President's Luncheon in the Tanbark Room at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF). The award is presented to a woman who has demonstrated years of dedication and commitment to the Royal. FWlO President Dianne Orr and RAWF Presi» dent Don Rickard presented the award. Josie Wintersinger has worked at the Royal Winter Fair for 18 years organizing the display for the Christmas Tree Growers of Ontario in an effort to increase awareness and to pro- mote the Christmas tree farming industry. Josie also coordinates the annual Christmas Tree Competition at the Royal. And two years ago she initiated the Natural Wreath Competi- She spoke aboutone project in Cameroon where they are producing cocoa and tapioca. and with the help of live trucks (wheelbarrows to us) they can now transport their produce to market directly and eliminate the middleman. In China, Goh spoke about a project where they raise geese for meat and feathers. The ACWW United Nations Chairtalked of the world's population, which has reached 6 billion. and gave us the following breakdown for a "village" of 100 people: there would be 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 8 Africans, 14 from the Western Hemisphere, 52 females. 48 males. 70 non whites and 70 non Christians. The current priorities of the UN Committee are health, the status of women, the status of the girl child, family and education. 2003 has been designated the “international Year of Fresh Water" and 2004 will be the 10'h anniversary of the "International Year of the Family." World Rural Women’s Day (WRWD) I look forward to hearing about how you cele- brated this special day on October 15. Are you planning special programs or events for lntemationai Women’s Day or ACWW Day in 2003'? if you are, let me know. Members across Ontario would enjoy hearing about your celebra- tion at these two special days. Josie Wintersinger (left) and FWIO President Dianne Orr, tion and established the judging criteria. The Wintersinger Tree Farm, located on 100 acres near Hillsburgh. Ontario, features ap- proximately 65,000 Christmas trees under cultivation. The public can harvest their own tree for Christmas, enjoy hayrides and view other products such as natural wreaths that are lor saleatthegift shop. This Is trulya family business as Josue's husband Alberto and two daughters Erika and Agnes are involved on a lull»time basis, iii? ACWW Memberships Were you able to renew your ACWW member- ship at your Area Convention? if not. you can send a money order for either 15 pounds sterling for a one-year subscription or for 40 pounds sterling for a three-year subscription to ACWW at Mary Sumner House. 24 Tufton St. London SW1P SRB UK. World Summit on Sustainable Development ACWW presented a Statement to the World Summit on Sustainable Development, which was held in Johannesburg. South Africa. from August 26 to September 6, 2002. Canada Area Project if you wish to support the Canada Area Trien- nlum Project with the Largot Farmer's Group in Kenya. please fonuard your donation to the FWIO Previncial Office. If you require further information on Interna- tional activities, please contact me at RR 1, 720 Lookout Rd, Westmeath ON KOJ 2L0, Phone/Fax: 613682-3569, Email: christinereaburn@hotmailcom at: Balsam Hm Women‘s Institute members, Flora Campbell (center) shared her wealth of experience a! a Rug Braiding Workshop hosted a y the So am Renfrew District Wl'. Submlllefl by Lynn Clellahd, PRO Balsam Hill WI, Flenllew Soulh Good news, bad news.... 3* The Good News: Money actually does grow on "£55! The Bad News: The banks own all the branches. Home & Country, Winter 2002-03 7