Speaker Schedule

"The Forgotten Story of the Ontario Farmerettes"

Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz, a glimpse into the stories of young women who volunteered on Canadian farms during the Second World War.

Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes, co-authored with Shirleyan English, was published in 2019. In 2024, a play was developed from the book and performed on two stages. A Farmerette stamp was introduced for Remembrance Day in 2024, thanks to Bonnie's lobbying.

Now, a 50-minute documentary film has been produced. Directed by Colin Field, We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes tells the extraordinary story of a contingent of an estimated 40,000 teenage girls who volunteered on Canadian farms and helped to win the Second World War.

Bonnie Sitter makes her home in Exeter, Ontario.
Since retiring in 2008 she has co-authored 2 books " The Beauty and Bounty of Huron County" and "Agriculture Today: A Portrait of Family Farms in Ontario". More recently she self published a book titled "On The Wright Track: Memories From CPR School Car #2".
Discovering a tiny photo in January of 2018 resulted in her doing research and writing a magazine article for The Rural Voice about Ontario Farmerettes. A popular book titled "Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz Memories of Ontario Farmerettes" followed which was then developed into a highly successful play that was performed 35 times on 2 Ontario stages in 2024. Her campaign to obtain a Canadian Postage Stamp to recognize the Farmerettes was successful in Oct. 2024. Senator Rob Black helped push it across the finish line. Now the 50 minute documentary "WE LEND A HAND:The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes has won 10 awards and been accepted into 27 film Festivals. In the past year it has been screened more than 135 times. She recommends checking out welendahand.ca  to watch the trailer, read the bios of the Farmerettes interviewed, view upcoming events, read media and testionals etc. Bonnie  continues to collect Farmerette stories, newspaper articles and photos.  

"The Nourish and Development Foundation"

The Nourish and Develop Foundation (TNDF), based in Cannington, Ontario, has been serving Brock Township and surrounding communities since 2008. What began as a focus on food security has grown into a broader, more integrated approach to community well-being.

Today, TNDF connects people to nourishing food and supportive resources through two key areas: Food Services and Social Services. Through programs like the Nourish House Food Bank, Mobile Food Market, Community Meals, Food Literacy kids’ day camps, and the Maple Tree Community Garden, TNDF increases access to healthy food while fostering knowledge and community connection.

Complementing this work, the organization’s Social Services hub and System Navigation program provide low-barrier, wraparound supports that address both immediate needs and long-term stability for individuals and families.

We will be joined by Beth Hendry, Fundraising and Communications Director, who helps share TNDF’s story and build the partnerships that make this work possible. Guided by the belief that food insecurity is complex and requires collaborative solutions, Beth and the TNDF team are committed to strengthening communities and creating lasting change—working toward a future where everyone is food secure, safely housed, and well supported.

"Avoid Probate"

Jason Laidler is the founder of Avoid Probate, and the co-host of the Avoid Probate show on Zoomer Radio.

Jason is a certified Financial Planner, a certified Seniors Advisor and a certified Executors Advisor. His company is based on his belief that everyone should benefit as much as possible from the effort and work they have put into amassing their estate. The government has the power to tax your estate, and Avoid Probate is here to help you understand the pitfalls and help your heirs keep those assets.