The Chilliwack branch records were destroyed in a fire in 1928. Apart from the hall from which they generated rental revenue, they were engaged in fundraising and sponsorships. The first Guides and Brownies were sponsored by them and the group assisted with the school soup service. They were active in developing the first library and their members were among the first to donate to the Community Chest fund. Active with seniors, they organized a Darby and Joan Club that held monthly social meetings. They received the first trophy awarded at the Chilliwack Fair for Women's Institute exhibits and in 1949 sent six girls and a representative to the Pacific National Exhibition to demonstrate weaving. The group has been most interested in assisting in health requirements and sponsored, outside of Chilliwack, a Public Health nurse for Hope. Other ventures included supporting, tuberculosis chest x-rays, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Solarium formerly located at Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, Chilliwack Hospital, Valley Haven Hospital, Crippled Children's Hospital, the Medical Centre, Polio Fund, child welfare and helped establish a blood bank for local doctors and contributed to the European Flood Relief fund. The group, as well, has ably assisted other local organizations and circulated, in 1947, a resolution to ask for voting rights for British Columbia First Nations' people.
The second local institute formed was at Upper Sumas in 1913 that, in 1923, saw half of its membership leave to form the Huntingdon WI They formed a junior branch in 1950 that joined with the senior branch in 1956. Medical assistance was given to local individuals that required assistance and cash donations to families in distress. Other initiatives included providing a room at the hospital with furnishings and sponsoring a better reading program at a school. Like all Women's Institutes the Upper Sumas WI, made significant contributions to the war effort and during the Second World War sent over 3,200 pounds of clothing. Partnered with Huntingdon WI they shipped over 600 pounds of canned fruit and jam overseas.
Atchelitz Women's Institute began in 1914. The organization helped build the Atchelitz Community Hall, owned by the Atchelitz Farmers Institute, by assisting in the building's remodeling and painting. During its early years, the institute gave to the hospital, on a monthly basis, foodstuffs such as fruit and bread. Atchelitz sponsored home nursing classes and were affiliated to the Local Council of Women and the Senior Hospital Auxiliary.
The Cannor Women's Institute, formed in 1922, drew its name from the Canadian National Railroad and their activities focused upon flower exhibitions, concerts and co-operative marketing. In addition to assisting with health projects, they welcomed new Canadians and helped assist a children's home in Korea. The group met at the Methodist Church and its records were lost in the 1948 Flood.
Camp River Women's Institute amalgamated, in 1945, with the Rosedale Women's Institute. They had been formed in 1927 and were active in efforts that women should have the right to hold office in civic organizations without being property owners. The group contributed to public heath ventures and for many years maintained a park adjacent to Camp River Road.
Formerly the Community Ladies' Aid from 1922-1929, East Chilliwack Women's Institute formed in 1929. To fund the construction of a hall a car raffle was organized and the group became the first in British Columbia to build and own their own hall that was opened in March, 1930. The organization contributed items towards the war effort, created a school bursary, exhibited at the Pacific National Exhibition and at other events.
Ryder Lake formed a Women's Institute in 1935 and apart from helping with the war effort and providing individuals that required assistance, they helped with many community facilities including the hospital and school. They provided exhibits for the Pacific National Exhibition and assisted 4-H Clubs. During the 1954 British Empire Games they provided a food booth at the Vedder Canal where spectators watched rowing events.
On March 3, 1943 Rosedale Women's Institute was formed and they took an active role in contributing to the war effort. After the war, they assisted an English girl through school. In 1945, Camp River Women's Institute amalgamated with Rosedale WI. With other branches in the Hopeline District, the Rosedale WI helped furnish a room in the Chilliwack General Hospital. In 1948, during the flood, the organization worked with several other women's organizations in preparing meals for the workers on the dykes. Beginning in 1956, they sponsored Rosedale Boy Scouts. Charitable contributions were given by the organization to the Canadian Red Cross, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Crippled Children's Hospital, Salvation Army and during the Second World War, the Milk for Britain Fund.
Promontory Heights Women's Institute was organized in April 1952 and their activities have focused on celebrations for those about to be married and to providing seniors with birthday cakes when they reach 75 and for each year afterwards. They have contributed to the furnishings of a room at Chilliwack Hospital and every fall enter an exhibit in the Chilliwack Fair.
Vedder Women's Institute was formed February 4, 1954 in the home of Mrs. Beatrice Leslie. Fundraisers included rummage sales, raffles, spring teas, and in the fall, fairs and bazaars. Monies raised at these events were donated to such causes and facilities as Children's Hospital, Queen Alexandra Hospital, and a local school bursary. The group made hundreds of quilts that were raffled or sold in efforts to raise funding for worthy projects.
Members of the Rosedale Women's Institute admire their display of handcrafts. AM 707, file1.