ELLEN MACPHAIL: WI Mask project makes a difference

Like most landscapes and organizations, spring events and projects for the P.E.I. Women’s Institute and its over 70 branches are blooming.  

Thanks to donations and the continued effort of volunteers, the P.E.I. Women’s Institute has expanded into Phase 2 of the now well-established WI Mask Project. As the result of heart-warming efforts, over $30,000 worth of masks have been donated to long-term or community care facilities and now to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 

In a recent three-way partnership between the QEH Foundation, the P.E.I. Women's Institute and P.E.I. Mask+Aide, fabric masks are now available for purchase online through the QEH Foundation's website.  One hundred per cent of the proceeds will go towards purchasing ease back medical equipment for the QEH.  

The handcrafted masks are available in bulk in packages of 10, 25, 50 or 100 and are ideal for families to businesses. Each package contains a unique array of beautifully crafted reversible fabric masks. They are varied in colour and are made with re-washable 100 per cent cotton or cotton blend.

Funds raised through mask sales will contribute to purchasing two scavenging nitrous oxide systems. The new systems will allow for the use of nitrous oxide, which has been restricted at the QEH due to concerns related to COVID-19 transmission. Nitrous oxide is not only used for sedation and pain relief during childbirth but is also administered as inhalation medication for children undergoing painful procedures.  

In addition to fundraisers, this time of year the P.E.I. Women’s Institute provincial board and branches are still concentrating on summer events and exhibitions.    
Although the 97th WI Handcraft, Horticulture and Arts Show is postponed until 2021, committees are already working towards this well-known WI section of Old Home Week. Anna Cooper, provincial WI board member and show chairwoman remarked, “This will allow a longer preparation time for exhibitors, and we are pleased to report PEIWI is already in the planning stages for next year.”   

In other board and branch events, plans are underway for events this fall, and PEIWI is looking to implement additional online resources with satellite locations should they be required or to simply complement various events. PEIWI encourages all branches to use operational plan templates provided by the P.E.I. government to guide the set-up of events and meetings. 

In the meantime, watch for Argyle Shore WI's Strawberry Social on July 6 as they work through their drive-thru operational plan. Meanwhile in the western part of the province, Fairley Yeo, Knutsford WI member, indicates they are working on their annual fall tea event. 

Lastly, Ann MacDonald, WI provincial board member and convener for agriculture, would like to remind Islanders that June is National Dairy Month.

“Please support our 160 local dairy farms by purchasing products showing the blue cow label as on all Canadian dairy products.”
 

This article is prepared by Ellen MacPhail, executive director for the PEIWI, and appears in the Guardian every second Wednesday of the month. For more information on the P.E.I. Women’s Institute or to comment on this column, visit womensinstitute.pe.ca, call 902-368-4860 or email [email protected].