By Rossita Schau
The Retired Women Teachers’ Association is celebrating a milestone: 75 years as an association.
It all started on January 19th, 1951, when 27 recently retired women teachers met for lunch in The Georgian Room at The Hudson Bay store. Being recently retired, the ladies enjoyed each others company and the conversation flowed from one topic to another. One idea that came up was the possibility of forming an organized association.
The main goals, which remain today, were to continue the social relationship and camaraderie formed during their teaching years, to assist and coordinate several public initiatives to support the community and to address any problems that arise concerning the welfare of its members. The ladies agreed unanimously and so the RWTA was born. Miss Christine Forrester was the first elected president. The annual membership fee? 25 cents!
Fast forward 75 years and our chapter is still going strong. One of the goals of the RWTA is to maintain lifelong social connections, so four luncheons are held during the year at The Masonic Memorial Centre. What a great way to socialize over a delicious meal followed by entertainment.
As former teachers and lifelong learners, we welcome the opportunity to learn from guest speakers on topics such as wellness initiatives, new authors, history of Manitoba, fashion and more. Some lunches feature musicians which gets many up on the floor dancing. Luncheons are opened to all retired women teachers, and they may bring a guest if they wish. As well as the four luncheons, many road trips have been enjoyed over the years.
The RWTA believes strongly in “giving back” and to help with many different causes in the community. Since 2013, the Association has collected 1,100 pairs of used eyeglasses which have been donated to The Lions Eye Bank which distributes them all over the world. At each luncheon, toiletries and women products are collected and more than 150 boxes and bags per year are distributed to 25 shelters and resource centres in Manitoba. At the February luncheon, there is a special collection of new underwear and socks which are then sent to shelters.
The Association also addresses concerns as they may arise about the welfare of its members, which may include pension reforms, cost of living, etc. Also, a Visiting Committee exists who send cards, flowers and gifts to those in the hospital or convalescing at home.
Our first luncheon will be held on Thursday, September 24th at noon at The Masonic Memorial Centre. Lifetime members (over 90 years of age) will be piped in followed by a delicious lunch and a fashion show. Tickets are $30 each. If you are a retired woman teacher and would like to attend or would like more information about the RWTA, please contact Rossita, Publicity Chair, RWTA at rosieschau@gmail.com OR Debbie, President, RWTA at 204-792-6102. Come out, have some fun and enjoy the company of a great organization.
Rossita Schau is the Publicity Chair of the Retired Women’s Teacher Association.
