The Paris Independent
4
November 5, 2022
COMMUNITY NEWS
By Carolina Saenz If you’re into Canadian traditional folk music, you can’t miss the upcoming 'Ian Bell, Live in Concert' event. Organized by the Women Inspiring Women - Women’s Institute (WIW) Paris branch, this fundraiser will benefit the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation. Enjoy this wonderful performance on Friday, November 18th at 7:30 pm at the Paris Presbyterian Church, also known as the #ForParisCentre. One of the WIW event organizers, Jenny Clarke, explains how this event came about and why it is important for our community. “The event is the idea of the Women Inspiring Women Women’s Institute Branch President, Elaine Tully. The vibrant, diverse branch already supports local initiatives and charities as well as education through modest bursaries, however, this is the first major concert fundraiser event undertaken by the branch and Elaine’s suggestion has been
enthusiastically embraced by members as taking the branch’s efforts to support local initiatives to the next level,” Clarke shares. The Women Inspiring Women WI was founded in 2015 and has an active membership of all ages. The branch meets once a month at the Paris Fairgrounds and provides a great opportunity to meet others in the community. Anyone is welcome to join, and visitors can attend two meetings free before deciding whether or not to join. “With a varied program each month we promote building community, empowering women and supporting families. And, of course, having fun while doing good!” explains Clarke. “The social support among members is a strong base upon which to build educational opportunities and skill development, as well as supporting local charities,” she adds. In addition to regular monthly meetings, special interest groups such as crafting, dining, and a book club are also available. For more information on the branch contact the
Membership Coordinator through the branch website www.womeninspiringwomenwi.com.
For their first concert fundraiser, the choice to benefit the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation came easy. Clarke explains that when deciding who this first fundraiser should benefit, it was impossible to ignore the invaluable role healthcare workers play in our everyday lives. And with the healthcare system feeling the strain of the pandemic, the money raised will be used where the foundation feels it is most needed, for new equipment and for enhancing patient care. “The Foundation is committed to raising critical funds to support the top priority needs for our local hospitals, The Brantford General Hospital and The Willett hospital, to support the purchase of medical equipment that is not paid for by the Ministry of Health, to provide essential resources to maintain exceptional patient care and to invest in new and innovative technology,” said Clarke. Continued page 5
