The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Inferno tml Coordinu Report By Christine Reaburn | Need Your Help! Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) President Hilda Stewart is trying to put together a set of Triennial Conference badges to display at the Central Office. At the 1953 Conference in Toronto there was a Maple Leaf shaped badge with Hostess stamped on it. Does anyone know if this was for Hostesses only or was it in fact the Conference Badge? ACWW does have this badge, but would like to confirm if it was the Conference Badge. If it wasn't, then they would be thrilled to acquire the Conference Badge from 1953. The World President is also looking for a copy or a photocopy of the 1947 Amsterdam Conference Program. I would be delighted to hearfrom anyone who can help with either of these requests. Annual International Report At the time of writing, I have heard from 346 Branches and give you my grateful thanks. l look tonnard to hearing from all Branches shortly. Thank you for your information and comments which I will share with the Provincial Board. Branches wanting information on the activities listed, please don't hesitate to contact me. World Rural Women's Day â€" October IS, 2003 This years theme is "Access to Land and Water is the Key to Sustainability." ACWWs press release in on page 10 of this issue or in the April-June 2003 issue of The Countrywornan. Anyone wishing additional information please contact me. 2003 - International Year of Fresh Water In the world, the environmental factors facing man are global warming, rainforest destruction and ocean over-fishing. But the shortage of fresh water may become abysmal unless the situation is recognized and addressed immediately. ACWW Pro-Conference Workshop â€" March 2004 The ACWW Pre-Conference Workshops will be held in Sydney, New South Wales. immediately prior to the 24m Triennial Conference in Hobart, Tasmania, with the theme “Managing Organiza- tional and Leadership Development." The overall aim of the Workshop is to enhance the capabilities of potential women leaders who plan development work, with the aim of helping women, their families and communities and strengthening and developing their organiza- tions. At the end of the Workshop participants will go to Hobart to attend the Conference. ACWW 24th Triennial Conference - March 13-19. 1004 The early bird registration of 225 pounds is due in London by September 12, 2003. After that date registration will cost 250 pounds. Informa- tion on Triennial Competitions was printed in the Winter 2002-2003 issue of the Home & Country and the Octoberâ€"December 2002 issue of The Countrywoman, 2003 â€" International Year of Fresh Water Information can be accessed from the United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC), 130 Slater St., Suite 900, Ottawa ON KlP 6EZ, Phone: 613-232-5751, Fax: 613-563-2455. Email: info@unac.org Or check out their webpage at www.unac,org UNAC is a Non-Gov- ernmental. Charitable Organization and is not part of the United Nations. Information can also be accessed at www,wateryear.org Another possibility is your public library. ACWW Canada Area Triennial Project in Kenya A report has been received indicating that con- struction is underway for processing and storage areas of perishable products. The Lorgot Farmers Group in Kenya has 45 members but about 1200 people will be involved in the project. Fair Trade Coffee and Tea I hope that you are able to help farmers in the developing world by purchasing and using coi- fee and tea produced by farmer operated cooperatives. Information on this can be found in the Spring 2003 issue of Home :2 Country. if you require further information on international activities, please contact me at 720 Lookouth., RR 1, Westmeath 0N KOJ 2L0, Phone/Fax: 513-582-3569, Email: Christinereaburnélhotmail.com (luchcn WI Creoles Community Partnerships MOM “0,000 1 00,000 30,000 In 2002. the International Year of the Mountain, the world was educated about the fact that mountains collect and store the single most important element for life on earth â€" fresh water. It was thus predestined that 2003 be designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Fresh Water. The objectives for the United Nations Year of Fresh Water is to increase our awareness of the impedance of fresh water resources and to educate us about the fact that life's most significant element must be protected. With the knowledge that Canada is a country with an ample fresh water supply comes the responsibility to safeguard this basic life element. As Women's Institute members who have a worldwide network, we should encourage education in this subject. We must be informed and active in monitoring and preserving this natural resource ~ simply so we can live, In keeping with F was Strategic Plan, the Clan:th WI over the past two years has partnered with the West Elgin Community Health Centre In provldlng workshops for seniors. The Health Centre‘s new building is belng constructed and the community is fundralsing for the cause. Money has been raised through an Annual Community April Dessert Tea and Card Party. Branch Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Johnston (left) and member Florence Mcln (right) presented a cheque for $300 to the H. Centre's Executive Director Douglas Graham. Submitted by Hilde Morden. Chair. West Elgin Community Health Centre. This in formation was extracted from an article that appeared in the January 2003 issue ofthe Manitoba Women’s Institute News. a Home & Country, Summer 2003