“Start small and think big” is the message Palmerston area resident Doddi Reid gave to the ladies of the Palmerston branch of Retired Women Teachers of Ontario (RWTO) at their spring meeting on April 21.
Reid has been doing just that since she became involved with the Water Can organization in Ottawa in 2007.
Reid wanted to do something that would make a difference so building wells in Africa became her dream. Reid needed to find ways to raise enough money for the project. Enlisting the help of family, friends, neighbours and community with garage sales, catering, babysitting, bottle drives and much more she had raised the first $10,000 by September of her first year. The garage sales and bottle collections have continued over the years along with cash donations from BC to Newfoundland. Reid is also very involved with World Water Day in March. During the past 10 years over $100,000 has been raised.
The Water Can organization is now called Water Aid Canada which works in partnership with local organizations in 37 countries to improve access to safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation in developing countries. Each country has its own challenges. In Kenya the old sewage pipes needed to be dug up and relayed. Uganda’s ground water is not drinkable. Tanzania needed a medical clinic and Ethiopia needed shovels to work with. Reid has been amazed with the support over the years and how people think her dream is worthwhile. Anyone wishing to make donations or collect bottles for pick up may contact Reid at 5283 3rd Line, RR 3, Palmerston.
President Anne Darroch welcomed everyone to the meeting including guest speaker Reid and thanked Barb Foster for being the greeter for the day.
A ham and scalloped potato dinner was enjoyed.
Reports were given by Treasurer Joanne Matthews and Insurance Convener Mildred Francis. Correspondence was read by Secretary Joan Woods. Lorraine Ballard gave an update for Goodwill.
The Walking Club will be going to Allen Park on May 9 for the next outing.
The Book Club just finished reading The Girl on the Train and will meet on May 18 at Joan Simpson’s place to discuss A House in the Sky. Janice Benson will lead the discussion.
Kathy Watt arranged a tour on May 10 at Iceculture in Hensall to see how this famous operation works. Anyone interested in joining the group should contact Kathy Watt. Travel Convener Lynn Morrison has also arranged a trip to Iceculture for later in the summer. It will be by bus with lunch included.
On Sept. 13 there will be a bus trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a luncheon cruise on the Niagara Belle. The trip also includes a wine tasting and tour at Konzelmann Estate Winery.
A trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to the Sight and Sound Theater to see Jonah has been arranged for Oct. 2-5. This trip will include a stop at Hershey Chocolate World as well as the Dutch Apple Theater to see The Buddy Holly Story. A guided tour of Amish country is also included.
Contact Morrison for more information on any of these trips.
Issues and Concerns spokesperson Barb Thompson was pleased to announce the Upper Grand District School Board has three teams competing in the Skills Canada Provincial Level Competition this year. She cautioned members about using bristle brushes to clean barbecues as the bristles can fall off and become embedded in food which is then swallowed. She showed three different options that can be used.
The lucky draw prize donated by Betty Tarc was won by Ada Mason and 10 ladies paid a fine for not wearing their pin.
Three members of the group were honoured to receive the Cora Bailey Award this year for outstanding service to the Branch. Colleen Robertson presented Jean Brodhaecker wih her certificate and Joan Woods was presented with her certificate by Darroch. Both were thanked for their contributions to the Branch. Dorothy Dickson was absent so will receive her certificate at a later date.
Past president Oriole Blyth conducted the installation of officers for 2017-2019. The new executive is: past president Anne Darroch;, president Colleen Robertson, first vice-president Debra Kalb; second vice-president vacant; secretary Janet Murphy; treasurer Joanne Matthews, insurance Mildred Francis.
Blyth reminded everyone to bring a new stuffed toy to the May 26 meeting as a donation to the hospitals.
