In 1891, Helga Stephansson, along with Sigurlaug Kristinnson (Stephan’s sister), established Vonin (or “Hope”), a ladies’ aid society.
In the early years, the members met in each other’s homes to plan social events through which they could raise money for community projects. Their projects were wide-ranging. For example, if a woman living in the area, whether of Icelandic descent or not, was ill, Vonin was there with personal items such as a nightgown or slippers, or perhaps a box of oranges. Other fundraising targeted specific projects. Perhaps the library needed money to subscribe to Icelandic newspapers or perhaps a family lost its home to fire or was in dire straits.
As today is Random Acts of Kindness Day, how will you show kindness to someone today?
Image courtesy Provincial Archives of Alberta, “Picnic at Markerville, Alberta”, 1921, A2236.
— Facebook post from February 17, 2024 by Stephanson House Provincial Historic Site