About Us

Kamloops & District Elizabeth Fry Society is named in honour of Elizabeth Fry (née Gurney), a bold social reformer whose work in 19th-century England laid the foundation for justice and dignity in how women are treated—especially those who are incarcerated or marginalized.

Born in 1780 to a wealthy Quaker family, Elizabeth Fry chose a different path at just 17, dedicating her life to improving the conditions of those society overlooked. In 1813, she visited the women’s section of Newgate Prison in London and was horrified by what she saw: women and children crammed into filthy, overcrowded cells, often unprotected, unsupervised, and subject to abuse. Women were imprisoned alongside men, gave birth behind bars, and were left with no support to meet even their most basic needs.

Elizabeth Fry’s tireless advocacy sparked lasting reform. She fought for women to be housed separately from men and supervised by female wardens. She set up prison schools for mothers and children, encouraged self-sufficiency through needlework and craft, and worked to ensure women were treated with dignity and fairness. Her belief in the inherent worth of every person, and her drive to bring compassion into the justice system, became the foundation of her legacy.

At Kamloops EFry, we carry forward that vision. Inspired by her courage, we work to build a community where women, gender-diverse people, and families are supported, heard, and empowered—no matter their circumstances.