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PICKERING DISTRICT BRANCH OF THE CANADIAN RED CROSS The Canadian Red Cross first came in to being in Pickering District during the First World War. In 1914, the Women's Institute was called upon to run it, being a non sectarian and non partisan group of women. The Society of Friends, (Quakers) gave their little meeting house, not in use at the time, for carrying on the Red Cross work. The British American Service Station is now located at that spot. Here, several days in the week, women met cutting out and making garments, knitting, and making quilts. Much was done in the homes in the Village and surrounding country, then returned to the work rooms. It would be difficult to mention all who worked faithfully. Miss Mary Ann Richardson was the very capable secretary at that time and Mrs. Robt. Cronk was president, but were not more outstanding than many others. It was through co-operation that so much was accomplished. Mrs. E. L. Ruddy Sr., did much in purchasing materials and getting parcels to the base in Toronto. The money required for all the work came from donations and effort of the W. I. in putting on concerts and garden parties. One, the book shows, netted $310. There was much detail work in this but "the end crowns the work". The Red Cross was disbanded after the end of the War. Canadian Red Cross - 1939 - 1946 South Pickering Branch, Canadian Red Cross, was organized in 1939, shortly after the start of World War II, with Mrs. F. T. Bunting as president. Later Mrs. A. W. Mitchell took over as President. Headquarters was established in Pickering Village, with units in Whitevale, Cherrywood, Dunbarton, Greenwood and Audley. Monthly meetings were held with representatives from the units present. Quota of work and materials were received from Headquarters in Toronto, and passed on to the various units. All cutting, Packing and Shipping was done in the work rooms at Pickering, in the basement of the Community Hall which was the original Old Methodist Church. Large quantities of knittingwere done for the Armed Forces , also Children's coats, dresses, layettes and quilts for refugees. Christmas parcels were sent each year to all members of the Armed Forces from the South Pickering District. Funds were raised for this purpose by holding card parties and other social functions. In March of each year very successful campaigns for funds were carried out, door to door canvasses were made throughout the district. Clothing, bedding, milk, fuel, etc., were provided for needy families of servicemen, also for other families who were victims of fire or disaster. A Loan Cupboard was set up to be used in any emergency. Engraved Parker Pens were presented to each serviceman on his return from Overseas. The mothers or next of kin of those who did not return, received engraved silver locket. A short time after the end of the War, the Branch was closed, "a job. well done". 1955-- Pickering T ownship and Village Branch of The Red Cross was reorganized in February of 1955. A meeting called by the Rev. and Mrs. W. Young in their village home resulted in the election of a committee under Mrs. David Crichton to organize the new Branch. This came into being in March of 1955 with the following officers: President, Lloyd Peters; Vice-President, Gertrude Crichton; Secretary, T. J. Wheeler; Treasurer, M. McLeod. Under Mr. Wheeler a fund of $2700.00 was raised. During the first year a knitting and sewing group was set up, followed later by first aid, a large loan cupboard stocked with sick room supplies, an emergency relief committee, and finally in 1959 a homemakers' service. The Red Cross purchased the Brock Road School in 1957 and it is now used for work and also by the Retarded Children's Association for classrooms. Picture: Pickering District Red Cross Centre