Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Woman's Club chairman Peggy Blades (right) with Carrole Issa-Cartade at the club's anniversary dinner at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel last year. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
MAY 21 this year will mark the 70th anniversary of the Woman's Club, a service organisation with a mandate to provide funding and opportunities for the underprivileged and less fortunate of Jamaica.
On May 21, 1936, Louise Lyon, an American woman who had married a Jamaican dentist, founded the club to give assistance to those less fortunate than herself.
She drew the club's membership from her friends with whom she often played bridge, and relayed to them an intention to "put aside something for those less fortunate than ourselves." From this ideal came the motto 'not for ourselves alone'.
Some of their early acts of service included sewing clothing for the poor and fund-raising activities. Mrs. Lyon held the post of president for 16 years.
On July 11, 1944, the Woman's Club joined the Jamaica Federation of Women, and, two years later, in 1946 became a member of the Central Council of Voluntary Services in Jamaica, in furtherance of their charitable duties.
30 YEARS ON
On May 20, 1966, they celebrated their 30th anniversary at their new clubhouse at the corner of Retreat Avenue and Old Hope Road. At that time, the club had over 230 members, far surpassing the seemingly unattainable 100-member mark.
On their 25th anniversary, the club embarked on a campaign to raise funds for an elderly persons' home, then located at the corner of Gladstone Drive and Lady Musgrave Road. This was the brainchild of then Immediate Past President Lucille Abrahams.
At the 30-year mark, dignitaries and personalities like Lady Bustamante, Lady Phillips, Edna Manley and Edith Clarke O.B.E., were involved in their cause as honorary members.
At the 40th anniversary in 1986, cost of living was high and the finances were low. Many similar clubs existed across Jamaica. Furthermore, the club had lost many members who had emigrated. Nevertheless, those remaining continued to give of themselves to lifting the underprivileged of Jamaica.
The list of charities that have benefited from the work of the Woman's Club over the last 10 years include: the Alpha Orphanage, Wortley Home, Children's Lunch Fund, Portland Relief Fund, Trench Town Play Centre, and the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
They have also contributed to several war funds, including, Air Raid Sufferers Fund and War Comforts fund to name a few.
ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON
To mark 70th anniversary, the club is preparing to herald the efforts of its members, and the achievements of the club. Participation in the club is more than just philanthropy.
According to Peggy Blades, chairman of the club's home for the elderly, "I feel the best way to know and understand people is to work with them for a common cause, for in doing so, we grow to love them."
The 70th anniversary luncheon and fashion show, was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday, May 10. More or Less in Manor Park provided the outfits for the fashion show.
Among those to grace the stage as models was former Ms. Jamaica World, Danielle Ohayon, who is the daughter of a club member, Joanne Valentine, members Doreen Rickards and Sylvia Collister.
Enjoying the festivities from the head table were the president of the Woman's Club, Iris Harvey, Peggy Blades, trustee and chairman of the home for the elderly, and Dr. Olive Lewin who later on gave a brief speech before presenting a cheque for the Diabetes Association towards purchasing a dialysis machine.
