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.
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