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.
It’s very exciting to witness the unfolding of this film and the enthusiasm around it. It is full of heart. Created from the heart. People can feel that. A film honouring our beautiful elders.
You have given people of Ontario something to be proud of.
Thank you for making this wonderful, amazing documentary! Loved, loved it.
You have made a meaningful, warm-hearted and historically significant film. Much love and talent has been poured into this film, and it shows.
I was so emotionally drained after watching the film (…) how much I enjoyed the documentary film and how meaningful it was. It was very special, and very well done.
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.
I have seen the film and it will make you both laugh and cry. It tells of an important part of our history that has long been hidden.
A captivating film about a little known chapter of Canada’s war effort during the Second World War.
What an absolute treat it was to attend an evening at Grassroots Farm for a panel discussion about The Farmerettes and Colin Field’s documentary We Lend a Hand! The indomitable Lisa Laflamme moderated the discussion. Every woman, young and old, should watch this film to learn about the incredible sacrifices made by girls aged 16-18 during the Second World War, farming the fields of farmers who had been sent to fight overseas. It’s a remarkable piece of our Canadian, indeed Ontario history, that has not been widely shared until now. Lisa Laflamme is the perfect person to spread the word and hopefully the documentary will be shared in high schools throughout our country ❤️🇨🇦
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.
Thanks so much Colin for bringing We Lend a Hand: the Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes to OFFA! What a great sold out event and having you and Bonnie, your display, and some of the farmerettes with us just made this an unforgettable experience!
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.
This documentary is fantastic! As someone who teaches the Grade 10 Canadian History course in Ontario, I appreciate how the film lines up so well with our curriculum. It flows chronologically through the war, briefly mentioning overseas events – but only to give context to what is happening in Canada and how it affects the Farmerettes. The film touches on many big themes that we study about life in Canada during the war (for example: racism in the government – ‘enemy aliens/Japanese internment), and complements the teaching of the Canadian Homefront during WWII perfectly. The ladies tell their stories with great humour; it gives the film such life and keeps people of all ages entertained – even the teenagers!
Thank you for producing this film, it is excellent. It not only records an important part of Canadian history, but it honours the effort of some amazing women. Thank you for the grit and determination to fundraise and see the project through. Our members loved it, and many were moved to tears watching the movie. We wish you continued success and widespread distribution of this film. It deserves to be seen and celebrated.
This story matters — perhaps more now than ever. It reminds us that history isn’t only written by those in power, but by those who worked with their hands, their hearts, and a quiet sense of purpose. The real heroes often never asked to be remembered. They simply showed up and helped. (…) A gentle reminder that love, like history, lives on when we choose to remember.
You have created a truly beautiful film. Interesting, informative, artfully done and wonderfully heart-warming. Its message of joy, hope, and love is so needed in these times.
If you have a chance, take in this amazing documentary telling the story of young girls stepping up to meet one of the challenges of WWII. Until now it’s been lost and forgotten. Try to take a young girl with you. It is truly inspirational. Many thanks to Bonnie Sitter for uncovering this bit of Canadian history!
I wanted to let you know how deeply moved and touched I was by your film and the stories of these incredible women. (…) your documentary reminded me of a time when people seemed healthier in mind, body, and spirit. You are offering something incredibly special with this documentary. It shows a positive, healing response to the challenges of the world, in contrast to our usual focus on negativity. The growth, stories, and experiences of these women are truly inspiring. The world—and especially youth—needs to see this. It teaches respect for money, appreciation for simple pleasures, and the joy of life in a way that is often forgotten today. I sincerely hope and pray that your documentary paves a way forward, inspiring others as it has inspired me.
My grandpa Doug and I went to see the documentary (…) and we were blown away by the stories shared on screen.
I hope We Lend a Hand is going to air nationally on CBC! What a fascinating untold chapter of Canadian history, so uplifting and featuring all those remarkable women. Your ability to continually pack screening venues is a testament to the hunger Canadians have to know more about the amazing farmerettes. Love this film!
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 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.
A belated note to let you know how much our entire clan enjoyed your Hot Docs extravaganza on Remembrance Day. The music, the movie, the lively Q&A made for a splendid evening.
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.
All you have to do is first, sign up for either Rotten Tomatoes, Letterboxd or IMDb. Then, click on the film’s page. Finally, leave us a review or just how many stars you think this story is worth. Every review counts to make We Lend a Hand accessible across country and, eventually, the world.
