The Icelandic Canadian - 01.09.1977, Side 31

THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
29
particular Whist Drive and Dance in
1933, Solskin lost $7.49, as expenses
exceeded receipts. The sale of work,
during those lean years, proved to be the
best money-maker.
When Canada became involved in the
2nd World War, Solskin members once
again knitted woollen socks and sent
parcels to soldiers of Icelandic descent,
as well as blankets in Bundles to Britain.
They also made woollen patchwork
quilts at Thora Orr’s home, and sent
these, along with warm clothing, to the
Russian Relief Fund. They purchased a
Victory Bond during the War years.
In 1947 a beautiful old home on Osier
Street in Vancouver was purchased by
the Icelandic Board, and this was used
as an Icelandic Old Folks Home. Solskin
became very actively involved in this,
donating $1,000.00 towards its
purchase, and holding a Concert and
Silver Tea at the official opening. There
were 25 residents in this home. Solskin
also donated a great deal of the supplies
needed, and they often gathered
together there to mend clothes, and
sometimes helped with the house-
cleaning if they were short-staffed.
During the 40th Anniversary year,
1957, it was moved that in future all
minutes be written and all business be
conducted in English. At the anniversary
dinner Emily Thorson, with the longest
record of service on the Executive, cut
the birthday cake. Thora Orr wrote a
very interesting resume of yearly activi-
ties.
Another great challenge was pre-
sented to Solskin during the 1960s—
that of working and donating towards
the Building Fund for a permanent Old
Folks Home Residence. A quote by
Secretary Gudny Kristjanson, from the
February meeting of 1960, very aptly ex-
presses Solskin’s hopes; “Now in view of
what has been accomplished, let us, with
stronger hopes than ever, endeavour to
continue our good work, yet never losing
sight of maintaining goodwill within our
Solskin group, while still attempting to
reach our ultimate goal.”
During all the negotiations in con-
nection with the Icelandic Home, a letter
from Solskin was required by the Land’s
Department at City Hall, stating that
Solskin was a women’s organization
which was ready and willing to support
the Icelandic Board in their plans to
build a Home. In 1963 the residents were
moved into the new Icelandic Home,
which was named “Hofn”, (Haven) and
lunch was served at the Official Opening
by Solskin. Since that time all Solskin
meetings, Bazaars, Teas, Christmas,
Anniversary and Birthday parties have
been held at Hofn.
On Solskin’s 50th Anniversary Day,
the Icelandic Board hosted a dinner at
Hofn, to honour Solskin. Emily Thorson
wrote an excellent article entitled “A
Tribute to Solskin’s 50 Years.”, for
Logberg- Heimskringla.
In 1969 another milestone in Solskin’s
record was reached. Solskin was incor-
porated under the Societies Act, in order
that it could be named beneficiary
to Hofn. A cabinet Minister was sent to
Hofn. for the dedication ceremony of a
bronze plaque. That year also saw the
completion of the new wing to Hofn by
the Icelandic Board.
The Constitution of Solskin under the
Societies Act is as follows:
1. The name of the Society is Solskin.
2. The objects of the Society are:
a. to be the Women’s Auxiliary
to the Old Folks Home.
b. to be an active, charitable
organization.
c. to support Hofn and other
Icelandic organizations.