FWIO is pleased to welcome new Provincial President, Carol Innes, to her position which started in January. Born and raised in Toronto, Carol first joined WI in 1974 when she got married and moved to the farm with her husband Allan. Once her children were born, Carol took a break from WI but was busy as a Mother and Girl Guide leader. Then in 1997, once her kids were grown, Carol began looking for something to keep her busy, and was quickly reunited with her WI Branch – the Brooksdale WI.
Although she was a Home Economist in Woodstock, and a highschool teacher, when Carol started her next career as a Farm Wife, she realized that she needed to meet her neighbours and connect with women that she wouldn’t normally meet – Women’s Institute provided that perfect opportunity. Through the years she has developed several friendships, held various positions at the Branch, District and Area level as well as serving as the Provincial Program Coordinator and Board Director.
Building confidence, leading meetings, travelling and the opportunity to give back to the community are a few of the things that has kept Carol coming back to WI. She knows that the WI organization has a bright future ahead and says “the issues from 113 years ago may have changed, but women still need women. We need to understand each other, to support each other and to find common ground – WI’s are the perfect place to do that”.
During her presidency over the next two years, Carol hopes that Members and their communities will see the value of WI Branches. She is looking forward to traveling the province, meeting women who have been working hard. Good luck Carol, we know you will do a great job!
