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Memories of Ann is a new column intended to celebrate the life and legacy of
Ann Elmore Haig-Brown. 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of
both Roderick and Ann Haig-Brown. To celebrate this Centenary year, the
Courier Islander, in partnership with the Museum at Campbell River, is
publishing a series of personal accounts of Ann Elmore Haig-Brown submitted
by members of the community. These articles aim to raise awareness of Ann's
contributions to Campbell River, leading up to her birthday on May 3rd, Ann
Elmore Haig-Brown Day.
This memory has been submitted by :
Valery Puetz
Executive Director Campbell River and North Island Transition Society
Ann Elmore Haig-Brown was a conservationist, community activist,
intellectual, librarian, and a strong advocate for women.
Ann Elmore House, the shelter for women and their children who are at risk
of abuse or violence, was named to honour the work, activism, passion,
personal generosity and true compassion of Ann Elmore Haig-Brown. Before
there was a shelter for women in Campbell River, Ann often took women into
her home to provide temporary shelter and relief from the abuse they were
suffering. As the development of a provincially funded service became a
reality and the transition house was opened in late 1987, Ann continued to
work with the newly formed Transition Society and she continued to house
women when called upon. I worked for the Society in the late 80's and met
Ann on a couple of occasions. I well remember going to see a woman who was
staying with Ann, rather than in the transition house, because of a pet that
the shelter could not accommodate. Ann was called on and she, as always,
readily agreed to have the woman and dog stay with her. When I visited the
woman at the Haig-Brown property I was impressed with the tranquility of the
physical and emotional environment. Ann's actions and willingness to share
of herself created a turning point in this woman's life. This happened many
times, for many women.
In November, 1988, at the Transition House naming ceremony, Ann said she
found it much easier "to find a bed for a 'sister' in need", than to make a
speech of thanks. She added that women "must stick together" and the
rewards of doing that have enriched her life on a daily basis.
Ann spoke out when she felt it was needed, often with a less than popular
opinion. And even more importantly she acted when she saw that action was
needed. And when that action included sharing her home and self she did
that.
A past board member told me a story of doing a presentation on the
activities of the Transition Society to the Catholic Women's League. She
said she had developed a practice of explaining why the shelter had been
named Ann Elmore House. As she carried on with the explanation there was
giggling coming from the front row and she puzzled over what she had said
that was causing this stir. As it turns out Ann was sitting there, in the
front row.
I have always felt that the transition house was honoured by carrying the
name of Ann Elmore Haig-Brown. In this centenary year as I hear more stories
and anecdotes about Ann's activities I feel even more honoured to work for
an agency that shares some history with and carries on the important work of
such an honourable woman.
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