Yesterday I had the opportunity to see a pre-screening of “We Lend a Hand – The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes” in London, with Bonnie Sitter. The first word out of my mouth at the end of it was “Wow”. It was a wonderful documentary and testimony to the work these young women contributed to support Ontario agriculture and the needs of our allies during WWII. It is also a tremendous addition to the other initiatives that Bonnie has been involved in on this subject, including the book “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz”; a play (of the same name) which was mounted last year […] and the Canada Post stamp which was unveiled last fall 2024.
You have made a meaningful, warm-hearted and historically significant film. Much love and talent has been poured into this film, and it shows.
A captivating film about a little known chapter of Canada’s war effort during the Second World War.
Filmmaker Colin Field’s film has captured the heart, the personalities, and the passion of hundreds of young women who signed up and left their classrooms to become Farmerettes during World War II. […] Field was able to film surviving Farmerettes, now in their 90s, to create a legacy of stories that reflects the often untold, yet invaluable role played by women during the war years. The film is inescapable in its heartfelt reflection of youthful joy and adventure, unaware of the true significance of the role they played in keeping a nation, and fighting forces, fed and nourished.
This lovely documentary brings us the story of the Farmerettes through the actual voices of an incredible generation that we are rapidly losing to time. I’m so grateful to Colin Field for recording these women and helping to bring this missing chunk of our Canadian history out of the shadows where it was sidelined for so long. This film surprises and delights us with its subjects’ stories, filled with humanity, adventure, fun and the incandescent spirit of youth, and the determination of a generation to do their part for their country in whatever way they could. A beautiful tribute and a living document of a time past.
At 94, I didn’t expect to watch something that filled me with such delight and pride. Bonnie and Colin have done us old Farmerettes proud.
A must see for everyone! The untold stories about how Canadian women supported the home front and war effort effectively altering history as we know it. The Farmerettes are an important part of our past, and the film explores this through meaningful firsthand knowledge. The visuals and storyline provide real insight about something that should never be forgotten. We are fortunate that some of these Canadian girls are with us now to tell their own stories. Bravo !! This documentary has brought them to life for us.
Excellent doc..should be on ‘TVO’ and at the very least included in any doc festival in Canada or beyond. It’s a film […] that celebrates and educates lost decades of young women in Canada that never heard these stories from both wars that should have been included in our history texts.
We are fortunate that some of these Canadian girls are with us now to tell their own stories. Bravo !! This documentary has brought them to life for us.
The Farmerette film Colin and others have produced is excellent. Perhaps with all our new found pride in Canada and our growing nationalism, celebrations of our country’s history will be received with gusto – as it should be. Best wishes on getting this wonderful film to the public. Everyone will enjoy learning and seeing the fun it represents!
I enjoyed the documentary film and how meaningful it was. It was very special, and very well done.
I thoroughly enjoyed the documentary […] I found the stories so interesting and the information very educational. There were laughs and tears watching it. I came away wanting to show my family, friends and neighbours the documentary. I can’t wait until I can see it again.
I have recently seen the documentary about the Farmerettes and I was very impressed. It was a lovely balance between serious information and lighter portions.
The documentary is colourful in so many ways…..simply amazing.
It is a wonderful film on an important part of […] history. Thank you for including a little bit on the role of Japanese Canadians in rural southern Ontario farms in the film. For Japanese Canadians who found placement with Ontario farmers it was a vital step in their resettlement in Canada after having the spent 1942 to 1946 in internment camps in B.C and not being allowed back to their home province of BC until 1949.
This is a story that should continue to be told and shared with Canadians.
