IODE proudly celebrates its 125th anniversary, marking over a century of dedication to education, community service, and patriotism. Since its founding in 1900, IODE has made a lasting impact through charitable initiatives, scholarships, and volunteer efforts across Canada. This milestone honors the commitment and contributions of its members, past and present, as we continue to uphold the organization’s legacy of service and support for those in need.
125 Acts of Kindness
Members of IODE Val Griffiths Chapter responded to a request in London, Ontario, for donations of underwear for those in need. The group purchased 125 pairs of underwear for men, women, and children. The donation was given to 519 Pursuit, an organization that works with shelters and individuals experiencing homelessness to provide essential support.
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Members of IODE Bow Fort Chapter in Calgary, AB, have been busy preparing treat bags for Easter to donate to various groups, including the Fire Department and the Women's Shelter. In honor of IODE’s 125th anniversary, they successfully assembled and wrapped 125 bags to spread joy and kindness in their community.
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In celebration of IODE’s 125th anniversary, chapters across the country are undertaking 125 acts of kindness.
Members from IODE Confederation Chapter, donated 125 boxes of tissues to the residents of the Village on the Ridge Long-term Care Home located in the small community of Ridgetown, Ontario.
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Multitasking - knitting at the St. Albert Rugby Club and watching the Brier.
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Past Alberta Provincial President Valerie Braiden, a member of IODE Ethel Cuts, St. Albert, has committed to knitting 125 newborn toques. In the past, her handmade toques have been donated to the Sturgeon Community Hospital – Labour and Delivery Unit in St. Albert and the Terra Centre for Teenage Parents in Edmonton. 
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Valerie’s toques are carefully placed in clean Ziploc bags along with IODE promotional materials and a copy of Echoes.
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Members mark 125 years of IODE in Fredericton, the birthplace.
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Video courtesy of Avery MacRae, Journalist, CTV News Atlantic
Celebrating IODE legacy of service
and community impact |
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The Founder’s Day celebration in Sarnia, ON, brought together members from five area IODE chapters for a wonderful gathering filled with great conversation and a shared appreciation for 125 years of community service.
The five chapters were IODE Errol Egremont, Sarnia, IODE Hon. Malcolm Cameron, Sarnia, IODE Margaret Stokes, Petrolia, IODE Confederation, Ridgetown and Trillium 2023 (virtual chapter),
In celebration of Founder’s Day, IODE’s 125th Anniversary, and Valentine’s Day, members of IODE Atlantic Charter Chapter explored scrapbooks and examined artifacts to create a special display at Brigg’s Plumbing store front window, in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. Ian Briggs, a valued friend of IODE.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of IODE Katie Hazen Mackay, Saint John, NB
and the 125th Anniversary of IODE in Canada with a chocolate and vanilla cake!
and the 125th Anniversary of IODE in Canada with a chocolate and vanilla cake!
Cutting the cake is National President Jane Cushing, and chapter President Beverley Sleigh
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IODE Maple Leaf Chapter members collected about 260 pair of new socks to donate to the Women’s Shelter in Goderich and the Canadian Mental Health Association in Goderich. This collection was done in celebration of IODE 125th Anniversary. (L-R) Regent Heather Stewart, a representative from the Women’s Shelter/CMHA, Past Regent Penny Murray and Past Regent Ann-Marie Becke
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IODE Eldon House Chapter in London Ontario - 278 pairs of socks were collected for donation. The goal was 125 pairs of socks to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of IODE Canada and the chapter were able to more than double that! The socks were distributed to The Men’s Mission which supports programs and services for men at risk or experiencing homelessness, the 519 Pursuit, a group that helps citizens facing poverty and homelessness and the London Inter Community Health Centre which provides health and social services for those experiencing barriers to receiving care such as poverty, homelessness, language, mental health or substance abuse issues. (L-R) Kathy Michienzi and Marion Hearn
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IODE Bemersyde Chapter members and friends gathered to assemble Christmas planters as part of their "fun" raising projects in celebration of IODE’s 125th Anniversary. Surpassing their goal of 125 orders, they successfully created 140 beautiful planters for residents in and around Campbellford, ON.
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The IODE Trillium 2023 (Virtual) Chapter, with members across Ontario, has been celebrating IODE’s 125th anniversary by committing to covering 125 km each month through their favorite activities - walking, running, or cycling. One member recorded 156 km in a single month. |
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IODE Catherine McVean Chapter, Dresden, ON
continues to play a supporting role in preserving the history of their town
continues to play a supporting role in preserving the history of their town
August 2024, to recognize their Chapter's 110th Anniversary and IODE’s 125th Anniversary, IODE Catherine McVean Chapter sponsoring the plaquing of Jackson Park. The park has played many roles in Dresden’s history. Historical records tell that the area offered an opportunity for black refugees to learn agricultural skills, it was the location to a live market, home of the Town Hall, an entertainment centre and now a sports field.
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IODE Catherine McVean Chapter in Dresden, Ontario, was founded in 1914 originally named IODE Sydenham Chapter, in honour of Charles Thompson (1799–1841), Canada’s Governor, whom Queen Victoria later made Lord Sydenham. Following the death of organizer, charter member and first Regent, Mrs. Osgoode McVean, permission was given to rename the chapter in her honour.
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