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hirty~three years after becoming the first sponsored child of the Selina Women' 5 Institute, Carol Lai Ching made her second visit here from Hong Kong. This time, she was accompanied by her husband Pastor Chung Wong. From the time they an-ived at the Toronto Airport until their departure three days later, their radiant smiles and charming ways won the hearts of everyone they met. At the suggestion of the late Mileta Taylor. Past President of the Institute, the sponsorship of a child came to pass in 1963. The Solina WI became the “par- ents” of a shy, little ten year old. Ng Lai Citing, now known as Carol. The Spon- sorship Committee of St. James‘s Settlement in Hong Kong had written about her: “this child is excellent in both her studies and herconduct, and if she gets By LG ma M CG mth ell, here we are on the brink ol the 100th anniversary at the iirst Women‘s Institute. it is our golden opportunity to sell ourselves to potential members if we do our marketing right. Promote the lacl that. through our programs we learn lrom each other and educate ourselves. We provide service to the community by doing lund raising and entertaining seniors. We expe- rience personal growth as we learn to do the job and to do it well. The social part ot our organization gives enjoy- ment andtriendship tothose who belong. People have the opportunity to get to know and network 12 Home S Country, Winter 199597 help site might be able to’ continue ’her schooling and have a brighter future." We are so proud ‘of her successes and achievements, throughout her school and her nursing career. It was wonderful in 1982, to welcomeherto Solina forthe first time. She had fulfilled her dream of com- ing to Canada and meeting her Canadian “family.” “Now, you are not just picmres, but real,” she said. At that time, Carol was given her scrapbooks that Selina Branch had compiled over the years of all her cards, lettersan’d clippings. . Beth Carol and her husband Chung in- tend to pass :on this wonderful idea of sponsorship to others,er to the children they hope to have. Submitted lay, ,Eelly Grant. Public Relations 017' Satire wt, Durham We?! er with local citizens. This network of acquain- tances grows wider when we attend events outside the immediate community. When we lobby for changes through our reso- lutions. we are learning about issues and influencing policy. Remember the wrapping of bread, the painted lines on the highways and the flashing lights on the school buses. Think of the difference that Women's institute has made to daily tile in our province. Look how one person. Adelaide Hoodless, has influenced us through the years. Some people are interested in belonging to international organizations. We can otter that as well. Look at all those knitted squares that we have sent to Zambia and the non-members who have knitted and donated yarn. Remember the money to buy pigs and goats that we gave to Uganda to support the children who were or- phaned because ol AIDS. These children are offered the dignity of providing something for themselves because of the women who belong to our organization. Sell the fact that we care. C’mtmflia/ Plans gorge Ahead By Mary Jane: On February 19, 1997, Women’s Institute members around the world will cele- brate the formation of the first WI Branch in Stoney Creek. In Ontario. all Branches will meet on that date, using a common program. Peggy McLeod, Chair of the Branch Program Committee, says this meeting will join us to- gether in unity and spirit to honour this special day. The major celebration of the centennial will take place at Hamilton Convention Centre from June 17â€"22, 1997, Delegates have at- ready registered from Canada. New Zealand. China, India, England, the United States, Cameroon and the Isle of Wight. The theme speaker on the opening day is Linda Ambrose. author of ForHome and Country, the recently published history of the WI movement. A motivational speaker, Rosalie Wysocki. will speak on positive attitudes. team building and communication skills. Norman Rebirt. an internationally known innovator. futurist and author from Saskatchewan, will speak on the convention theme. Celebration Day, lune 21. features an inter. . h . l nationally renowned speaker on Committe /' to the Future,” followed by an histOrical pag- eant written by Peggy Knapp, a former FW'IO President. An international dinner. with dele- gates in national costumes, and a multiculturai program will complete the day. Registration forms for the centennial celebration are avail- able from the FWIO Provincial Office in Guelph (call 519836-3078). Most of our members have no idea of the influence that the Women's Institute has on government and other organizations. We are represented at the United Nations as a non-gov- ernmentai organization through the Associated Country Women of the World. Do we, as Branch members, see our organization as others do? We have a lotto offer the women in our commu- nities. Let's offer it! Stand up and be proud to be a member of the best organization in the world in this centennial year. in closing, I would like to express my thanks to those who accept the leadership roles in the Women‘s institute organization, and to Janine. our Editor of Home a Country, for the interesting newsletter she compiles, It can‘t be an easy job in these times of cutbacks and restructuring. We don't always take the time to tell you that we appreciate your effort on our behalf. Conrd’inarnrfar the Federated Wamen‘: Institute: _ Ontario. She can be reached at RR 1, Elm/ale 0 LOL 1P0, (705)322-1320. Lnrnu McGrarh i: the Provincial Membership