Library and Archives Canada
Published on Apr 13, 2015

This film is a heritage item from Library and Archives Canada and is only available in English.

This film promotes the adoption of children orphaned by World War One. The viewer is shown the farm, called "Vimy Ridge" located near Guelph, Ontario, where the Soldiers' Aid Commission, Child Welfare Branch send children up to age sixteen in the summer. The film shows children playing and dancing. It emphasizes the discipline and orderliness of the farm, showing children cleaning before inspection. It also shows the "healthy recreation" the children take part in, including boys playing soccer and boxing, girls playing baseball, and both attending picnics, excursions and bonfires. Some of the farm activities the children take part in include feeding chickens, taking a wagon ride and feeding a cow. Boys take a lesson in "tillage and agriculture" and participate in farm activities. On inspection day the Honourable W.H. Price, Major A.C. Lewis, M.P.P., and Mr. J. Warwick, Secretary, greet the children. The film concludes with an explicit plea for foster parents for the war orphans. The film shows children "perfect for adoption," and asks, "Won't you cooperate? 

Source: Library and Archives Canada. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Television : Non CBC Productions, 1981-0156. IDC: 279822.