The Saskatchewan Women’s Institute will continue at least until the end
of the year, says its president.
Doreen Holden of Fertile, Sask., said the SWI board met Feb. 25 and
made some decisions amidst budget cutting and office file tossing. The
office at the University of Saskatchewan will remain open, but the
administrator’s hours will be cut to half-days.
No extra money has come in since a fall fundraising drive and Holden
said government grants cannot be relied upon. So the budget is based on
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the members’ annual fees of $30.
Holden said the members told the board that their priorities were to
continue the monthly information mailings and the quarterly newsletter.
But the board says the fee for the 200 members must rise or the members
must volunteer to do more fundraising to pay for their organization.
The SWI has been spurred into action by the negative news about its
potential demise, said Holden.
“SWI is facing a challenge like the farmer. If he was a pessimist, he’d
have died long ago.”
While two or three branches may fold soon, Holden noted most regions
are planning meetings this spring and the Rosetown, Govan and Fertile
branches are planning activities for international women’s day March 8.
The SWI will also hold a summer convention May 31 and June 1-2 at Echo
Valley Centre in Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask.
