Wooddale 1929-1979 - 50 Years

              First Fifty Years - Page 5
Convention of the Association several times. During this time, the
Rimbey Canvassers averaged between $ 700.00 and $ 800.00 for the Cancer
Society.
The CNIB, the Salvation Army and the Rimbey Community Appeal
received regular donations for many years, with our members helping,
too, in the local campaigns.
As we were organized in 1929, just before the '' Hungry Thirties" we
were soon faced with acute local needs. We were the only local service
club and responded generously. Looking back, we wonder how we did
anything else but welfare work.
Hampers were packed just before Christmas - sometimes this took the
place of our regular meeting. They included fruit, candy, nuts, canned
goods, etc. One year a turk was included in every hamper. Merchants
made generous donations, as did our members. Woollen mitts and other
clothing were added. $ 25.00 to $ 20.00 was spent every December. Through
the year we collected used clothing and received many calls, some of
these were from local ministers and members of the council. We bought
wool sox and felt hats to one meeting, " and several pairs of children's
stockings, and felt slippers were made."
During the World War we spent much of our time and money on war
projects, especially gifts to our men in the services. We sent leather
for seamen's jackets, wool for heavy sweaters, parcels to prisoners of
war, packed many ditty bags, and donated money to the Red Cross and
other funds.
Beginning in 1946, we concentrated on CARE parcels to England,
Vienna, Greece, Finland, Germany and other areas. Letters from the
recipients were most rewarding.
We held our first short course on sewing in 1930, a 3- day event.
This was followed by several 1- day and longer courses, generally open
to the public, with the instructors coming from the Department of
Agriculture.
Well- baby clinics and home nursing courses were well- attended. The
rvir. cial Department of Health sent us efficient and understanding
staff.