ELLEN MACPHAIL: Details announced for WI Festive Country Christmas and Island Product Cooking Contest

The Prince Edward Island WI board of directors and branches are preparing for the sixth annual youth cooking contest and are kicking off the festive season with a decorating event.

Alan Preston of Hearts and Flowers will be once again leading the annual WI Festive Country Christmas event on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Farm Centre, at 420 University Ave., Charlottetown. This popular evening event is a host of celebration ideas and demonstrations for the holiday season. Tickets are $15 and are available by contacting the WI office at 902-368-4860 or online at Eventbrite (search for Festive Country Christmas).

The PEIWI is excited to host the sixth annual Island Product Cooking Contest aimed at intermediate and high school students across the Island. Students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to enter their favourite recipes for cash prizes and be part of an annual Island Product cookbook.

Organized by the provincial WI board and sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Land, this cooking event will feature four categories, including appetizer, soup, main dish and sweets. Recipes submitted must feature Island agricultural- and fishery-based products. Final judging will take place Feb. 12, 2020, as part of WI Founder’s Month with winners receiving cash prizes. The deadline for students to enter is Dec. 15. Visit www.PEIWI.ca for entry forms and further details.

WI members are encouraged to donate new, small unwrapped gifts to the White Cross Christmas Gift Campaign, which is run by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of P.E.I. Examples of donations include hats, gloves, movie or coffee gift cards, playing cards, toiletries or socks. These gifts are given to those who may be alone due to mental health or emotional issues. Gifts can be dropped off to the White Cross Campaign at 170 or 178 Fitzroy St., Charlottetown, and direct it to the attention of Sharon Claybourne. For information, contact the CMHA at 902-566-3034. The gift deadline is Dec. 8.

In branch news, the Greater Charlottetown WI (GCWI) will be selling fresh Christmas wreaths again this year as a fundraiser for the QEH and branch activities. The cost is $30. They will be available later this month and will be delivered. To order, contact Carla, 902-368-1357, Cindy, 902-566-4841/902-940-2062, or Michelle, 902-368-3329.

For more information on these items or to join a WI branch, visit peiwi.ca or contact the provincial office at 902-368-4860 or by emailing [email protected]. This article, prepared by Ellen MacPhail, executive director for the PEIWI, appears in The Guardian on the second Friday of every month.