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Staying together and strong after 25 years as East Sooke Women's Group

Erin Kelley photo Spontaneous hugs were exchanged at the 25th anniversary and reunion of the East Sooke Women's Support Group, held at the Empress Hotel in Victoria. By Erin Kelley For the Sooke News Mirror When Kathy Plantiten moved to her log cabin tucked in the East Sooke forest with her young family 25 years ago it was a dream come true for her, although the realities of rural life were quick to reveal themselves. Popping down to the grocery store was more like a journey. She could not see any neighbours. Her sons had to ride a school bus two hours a day; they didn't get back until supper time. Life was sometimes stressful, and often lonely with limited access to resources needed to raise a family.

Plantiten decided to get together with her friend Jan Stoppe and start a mothers support group to offer learning events and networking to benefit not only for themselves, but their children.

"The group gave a sense of community," said Plantiten. "They had a neighbour even though they couldn't see them."

Children may have grown-up, many have moved away and still, the group survives today. They have matured from a mothers support group into the East Sooke Women's Group.

Their 25th anniversary and reunion was a grand celebration at the Empress Hotel in Victoria. Past members travelled from all over BC to make it to the event. Old photos, hugs and stories where passed around generously.

"We managed to stop talking long enough to listen to everyone go around to hear where their kids were," said Plantiten. "And everyone listened. It was quite an accomplishment."

"It is still the same feeling as 25 years ago; it is still support and friendship," added Stope. "We will have the bond forever."

The group is no longer as politically active today, but support for each other remains the backbone of the group.

"Whenever there is a death, when someone's trailer burnt down, someone is sick there are people phoning to check-in," said Stope. "It's everlasting love and support."

In the early days of the group, the women weren't just eating baked goods while they tested out the latest in press-on nails - they were feisty bunch of moms, promoting change in their community.

The group pushed for the East Sooke community hall to be built, they raised funds for the playground, pressed for Gillespie Road to be constructed to safer standards and pressed for more school buses.

At the heart of the mothers groups advocacy was giving isolated families a chance to come together. Hosting parties that included the entire family were a highlight of the women's memories.

"Santa came every year on a fire truck and handed out presents to the kids," said Plantidin.

After a decade of giving to their children and their communities, the women have earned the right to focus on themselves.

The group organizes weekends away, talks on menopause and walks along the Galloping Goose Trail.

"If you live side by side with your neighbour, you might think you are closer but it may not be true," Plantiten said. "When your out here tucked away you don't see each other, but you know you have good friends out there."