The Alberta Women’s Institutes hasn’t backed away from a challenge in 101 years, but the latest project comes with plenty of heartache and pitfalls.The AWI is helping fund and support Second Stage women’s shelters within Alberta, fulfilling the organization’s mandate of helping women in home and country.“Our mandate 101 years ago was to improve the living conditions for women. Abused women don’t have very good living conditions,” said Brenda Willsie, AWI president elect.The 125 shelters provide safe accommodation for women and children after they leave short-term crisis shelters. Women can only stay there for a month, but can stay in the Second Stage shelters for up to one year.About 13,000 women and children access these shelters each year.“We felt it was a very necessary fit and it was good for the branches to get our organization’s name out there to the public that we are an alive and viable organization,” Willsie said of the 500-member AWI.In 2009, 30 new members joined AWI, compared to four in 2008. She believes the increase is tied to these new projects.Some branches donate cash directly to the shelters and others give fabric, clothing and cash through the provincial organization. Branch members have suggested working directly with the shelters to teach quilting, sewing and handicrafts.
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