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Intro Sir Wilfred Grenfell IGA Lantern Slides Timeline Glossary

INTERNATIONAL GRENFELL ASSOCIATION

Grenfell’s initial visit to Newfoundland and Labrador in 1892 was under the auspices of a British association, the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen (RNMDSF), which provided medical and religious assistance to fisherman in the North Sea. Convinced of the immense need in the Colony, Grenfell commenced ambitious initiatives which included the establishment of hospitals, nursing stations, and schools; the organization of cooperatives; the production and marketing of handicrafts; the development of vocational training; the encouragement of agriculture; and the creation of alternate employment.

Grenfell’s ambitious plans exceeded the monies allotted by the RNMDSF and he raised funds through lecture tours and publications in Great Britain, the United States and Canada. Supporting associations were established, both to raise monies for Grenfell’s work and to recruit staff, many of whom were volunteers. In 1914, the International Grenfell Association (IGA) was incorporated, with representatives from the Grenfell Association of Newfoundland, the Grenfell Association of New England, the Grenfell Association of America, and the Grenfell Labrador Medical Association. The IGA later included representatives from the Grenfell Association of Great Britain and Ireland and the Grenfell Labrador Industries

For additional details on the IGA, see the administrative history, organizational chart and/or Home page for the IGA.