Identity area
Type of entity
Corporate body
Authorized form of name
Ganton-Watson Willing Workers
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
1939-
History
The Ganton-Watson Red Cross Auxiliary was a charitable organization located in Vermilion, Alberta. It was founded on December 6, 1939 as a community working group sponsored by the Red Cross, and subordinated to the Vermilion Branch of the latter. During World War II members made clothes for soldiers and refugees, such as socks, scarves, sweaters, mitts, pajamas, and quilts.
During the 1950s and 1960s, the scope of charitable projects broadened too much to be strictly under the banner of the Red Cross. The group collaborated with the Kinsmen Club, Flood Relief Fund, Cancer Fund, Heart Fund and the Salvation Army. Members sent Christmas gifts to local hospitals and donated to the needy in Korea and in China. Because of these extended activities, the organization ceased working for the Head Office of the Red Cross in 1970, and changed its name to the Ganton Watson Willing Workers.The organization remained as a social club for women in the Vermilion area as well as a group providing charity to those in need because of personal tragedies, such as a house fire or those in financial difficulties. The organization kept the tradition started in 1946 to invite guest speakers to meetings to present workshops on housekeeping, flower arranging, nutrition and health. The number of members is decreasing because of old age but the group is still active.