Brant mayor receives Erland Lee Award

County of Brant Mayor David Bailey has been presented the Erland Lee Award by the Federated Women’s Institute of Canada.

The award is given annually to a male who most exemplifies the qualities of Erland Lee, a Canadian farmer, teacher, and government employee from Stoney Creek whose support of Adelaide Hunter Hoodless led to the founding of the Women’s Institute.

“I am truly honored to receive this year’s Erland Lee Award,” Bailey said. “I am proud to be the Mayor of the County of Brant, the home of Adelaide Hunter, a true pioneer of women’s education and family health.

“I am so thankful to Adelaide and the Women’s Institute for their dedication to education and health for all Canadian families.”

Born and raised in St. George, Adelaide Hunter Hoodless lost her 14-month-old son to contaminated milk. She took on the role of an educational reformer in an effort to prevent deaths like her son’s.

She spoke during a Farmer’s Institute ladies night meeting in February 1897 and suggested forming a group to broaden the knowledge of agriculture and domestic science.

Erland Lee and his wife promoted Adelaide’s presentation, that, one week later drew 101 women that became the first branch of the Women’s Institute.

“The Erland Lee Award is presented to a gentleman who has made an outstanding contribution to the Women’s Institute movement,” said Women’s Institute of Canada president Margaret Byl. “Mayor Bailey exemplifies the qualities of Erland Lee. He is a strong supporter of the Women’s Institute, the County of Brant Women’s Institute branches, and the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Museum.