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The Women's institute has been a source of learn- ing friendship and leadership for me for many years. My mother. Sarah Tredway. was such a staunch mem- ber and supporter ot'WJ, that her daughter could not help but be caught up in this enthusiasm, What better place to increase one‘s knowledge! I I For scventy-nine years now our organization. un- der the guidance of our many Provincial Presidents. has continued to provide strong leadership for its members. However. for the past twenty years in par- ticular. this guidance has been greatly assisted by a true friend of Women‘s Institutes in Ontario. and in- deed throughout the World. Miss Helen McKercher. Director of Home Economics Branch. was always there to lend a helping hand as well as providing the thoughtful understanding and answers to the needs and concerns ol‘ women throughout our Province. Continually working for and giving us opportunities to improve our way ot‘ life for our homes. our families and ourselves. ller long hours of asststance and devotion for the betterment ol‘ our Organization will long be remem- bered. It has been both it privilege and a pleasure for me to have had the opportunity to work closely with Nlm McKcrchcr during my term ofol’fice with FWIO. She was always a source of information. a great ad- viser and a good friend. never too busy to listen and share her many talents. Her ready smile and pleasant manner made one feel at ease and reassured. We must accept changes and make adjustments for new thingsiso ll will be! Our organization will be without her help. but I know she will always be willing to share her wealth of knowledge with us. Congratu- lations. Miss Helen McKercher on your retirement. and best wishes for much happiness in the Future. Thank you. Helen. for all your help and a job well 3% 2 Ma» 10 To me. Miss Helen McKercher is as much a 7. Women’s Institutes as stars in the sky at night i. ‘ ers in a summer garden because as long as I ha I, i associated with the organization in Ontario, t; been the Director of Home Economics for the ’\' ongriculture and Food and has been present ventions and celebrations. Presidents and secretaries have come and at she was thereâ€"a unifying presence. helping. Cl: and making it possible to get things done. Thrt her years as Director. she has always had [he I,- of the W.l. uppermost in her mind and all her on behalf of the members are reflected in the m and afiection she holds in the hearts of all. Whatever changes came to be accepted by r. she has encouraged W.l. members to uphold a; serve standards in all their endeavours. It is dou any Director of the Home Economics Branch h. put more emphasis on Women‘s Institutes or. in of decision. cast more votes in their favor. Sl- been the instrument in Providing courses. inform Home Economics services in the Areas. secrt services and a first class magazine in Home and I try. Her management of relations with the pm government has been such as to permit the lion of the W]. into the strong and responsible org; tion it is today. Nor have her interests been limited to FWlO have extended to FWIC and ACWW. She help purchase and develop the Adelaide Hoodlcss l‘ and gave valuable help as Councillor and as mittee member. She carried on a personal camp for memberships in ACWW and urged contribu for Pennies for Friendship. “To develop people sh be our motto". she believed as she worked with I provide FWIO scholarships and perhaps that coul- said to be her motto all through the years. While I was Provincial President. I enjoyed support. guidance. encouragement. interest friendship and. on many occasions, her warm ht lality. We will surely miss her. but wish her the l- piest years ahead with time to enjoy her many tru- and the leisure she so richly deserves. May she be replaced by one of equal calibre! KM «07, )7”