Although her sphere of activity was confined in Canada, the name Mrs. Adelaide Hoodless has become known around the world. She was the driving force behind the founding of Women’s Institutes, an organization that is now worldwide in scope. Because of her efforts women in all parts of the world have the opportunity to become better homemakers and more effective community leaders.

Early in her career she was instrumental in establishing cooking classes for public school girls at the Hamilton YWCA. Later, she persuaded the Ontario government to initiate Domestic Science courses at the Ontario Normal School. Due to her influence, Sir William MacDonald agreed to provide funds for the establishment of the college which bears his name for the teaching of Agriculture and Domestic Science.

In addition to these achievements and many others, she assisted in organizing the National Council of Women for Canada and the Victorian Order of Nurses.