Alyson E.

Ailsa Craig/Nairn, Ontario

Thames Valley Regional Fair

Victory Booster

The Victory Booster were a group of women from the Ailsa Craig area that supported the troops during World War II. They knitted socks and sent off various items to help our men during combat. After the war they began to fund raise for other important items needed with in our community (e.g. baseball backstop). This summer a plaque is being erected at our community center to commemorate all the wonderful work these women have done!

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I really enjoyed meeting the last surviving Victory Booster, Betty Sutherland. She is 90 years old and she has lived a very interesting life.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I learned that there are several ways to be help others in needs. Knitting socks doesn't seem very important, but these socks were actually really helpful to the men who were in combat during World War II. I also learned that women can be just as strong as men, it is just that their strength is usually shown in a different way.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Our life is very different today. We have it so lucky, not too long ago I may already be married or I may already have a job. I have also never had to live during a time of war and I hope I never have to.