Residents in Brock Township and across Durham Region are being invited to attend a special documentary screening highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of Ontario’s wartime Farmerettes during the Second World War.
The event, titled We Lend a Hand – The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes, will take place on May 26, 2026, at Beacan Presbyterian Church, located at 413 Simcoe Street in Beaverton.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the screening beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Hosted as part of the Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the fundraiser screening focuses on the story of approximately 40,000 teenage girls who volunteered on farms across Ontario during and after the Second World War.
According to organizers, the documentary explores how these young women helped maintain food production while many male farm workers left Canada to serve overseas during wartime.
The film was directed by Colin Field and produced alongside historical producer Bonnie Sitter, whose research into the Farmerette program began after discovering old family photographs connected to the wartime volunteers.
That research eventually led to the publication of the book Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes, co-authored by Bonnie Sitter and retired journalist Shirleyan English.
Organizers say the We Lend a Hand – The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes documentary includes interviews with former Farmerettes, many now in their 90s, sharing firsthand accounts of their experiences working on Ontario farms during the 1940s.
The documentary has reportedly sold out screenings in communities across Ontario as public interest in wartime history and women’s contributions during the Second World War continues growing.
Historical organizations say the Farmerette program played a critical role in supporting Canada’s wartime food supply and agricultural economy during a period of labour shortages.
The upcoming Beaverton screening will also include a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers following the documentary presentation.
Attendees will additionally have an opportunity to purchase autographed copies of Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes after the event.
Community heritage events like We Lend a Hand – The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes continue supporting historical education and preservation efforts throughout Durham Region and Ontario.
The fundraiser event is supported by several regional organizations including the Durham Federation of Agriculture, Durham Farm Connections, Invest Durham, Durham West 4-H Association, and the Regional Municipality of Durham.
Tickets for the documentary screening are priced at $20 and are available online through Eventbrite as well as at RE/MAX in Beaverton during weekday business hours.
Historical societies across Durham Region continue hosting educational events, lectures, and screenings to preserve local stories and highlight contributions that shaped Ontario communities and Canadian history.
Organizers encourage residents interested in history, agriculture, and wartime heritage to reserve tickets early due to limited seating availability.
