Citizenship

Citizenship

IODE was based on the foundation of patriotism, loyalty and service that continues today.

As global citizens, IODE members are aware of and understand the world and their place in it.

IODE supports sustainability for our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to protect Canada and our planet’s environment.

IODE members are committed to building their community in a meaningful and positive way by contributing countless volunteer hours annually through a variety of activities. Members attend citizenship courts to welcome new Canadians, they donate flags to school children and assist with the beautification of their neighbourhoods.

IODE pays tribute to honour first responders, our Canadian military personal and local individuals who make significant contributions by means of remembrance or ceremonial award presentations.

IODE RCMP Community Service Award

IODE Canada, on behalf of its members, established an award to recognize a member, unit or detachment of the RCMP in recognition of exemplary public service to their community outside of their official duties. Each year, the office of the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police chooses the recipient.

Accompanying the framed certificates (one for the recipient and one for the detachment office) is a cheque for $1,000 to be used as an IODE gift to further the recipient’s community service.

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IODE Members Volunteer

The history of volunteerism in IODE can be highlighted with this fact, that our members raised $12,000,000 in the two World Wars to purchase hospitals, hospital ships, ambulances, a bomber and fighter aircraft. Relief to prisoners of war and refugee camps, libraries and canteens for servicemen and thousands of volunteer hours were among the many contributions in both wars.

IODE members annually provided countless volunteer hours to community work through a variety of activities. Across Canada, Citizenship Courts, youth shelters, schools, seniors’ homes, hospitals, and numerous other institutions are the benefactors of IODE members’ time and talents.

Even by volunteering as few as two hours a month by attending a chapter meeting, you can make a significant contribution to Canada and its society. We welcome student volunteers to help with IODE projects in your community. You can make a difference.

Remembrance

Each year, the National Chapter places wreaths at the National Cenotaph in Ottawa and at the cenotaph in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to remember and honour those who have fallen, while serving our country.

On Remembrance Day, across the country IODE members place wreaths in their communities.

National War Memorial (Ottawa)

National War Memorial (Newfoundland)

Celebrating Canadians

Since 1900, when IODE was founded, members across the country demonstrated their pride in our country. Following the Great Wars, immigrants were met at port cities, taught English by individual members and learned about their new country through support of Canadian Scene, a translation service for the ethnic press which provided unbiased news on current Canadian events and customs.

Today, chapters regularly take part in hosting Citizenship Court receptions to entertain and welcome our new Canadian citizens.

Citizenship awards and certificates are presented to deserving individuals for their contribution to their communities. Firefighters and police officers are honoured for their work in the community, Canadian flags are given to children in schools and many chapters participate in Canada Day celebrations.

IODE United Nations Peacekeeper Bar

IODE recognizes our members and their families who are serving or served with our Canadian Forces in a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission overseas. Members who have or had a husband, son or daughter or grandson or granddaughter, who served or are serving, are eligible to wear the UN Peace Keeper Bar.

Please contact IODE Canada for an application form.

IODE Canadian Armed Forces Bar

IODE respects members and their families who are serving or have served. The Canadian Forces Bar will recognize service in the Canadian Forces since WWII. Members who have been a member of IODE during the years of personal service or of the service of spouse, children, grandchild or parent are eligible to wear the Canadian Forces Bar.

Please contact IODE Canada for an application form.

Supporting Canada's Armed Forces

The Canadian Scouts, a unit of irregular mounted infantry formed by Major Arthur L. ("Gat") Howard in December 1900 that initially included a large number of veterans from the first two Canadian contingents.

IODE was founded in 1900 by Margaret Polson Murray of Montreal who recognized a need for loyal support for Canadians departing to fight with the Empire forces in South Africa during the time of the Boer War. IODE members raised funds to send comforts to the soldiers in South Africa and the men of the Royal Navy.

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Assistance for Canadian Veterans Overseas

The Canadian Women’s Club, London, is an active contributor to the welfare of Canadian Veterans and or their surviving spouse, living in Britain. IODE Canada is one of many groups who make this support possible. The Veteran’s Support Committee of the CWC was established during the final days of WWII. Historically assistance, which continues today, included visiting the veterans in hospital, and brings news and treats, sending birthday greetings and good wishes. Canadian veterans living in Britain are ineligible for war veteran allowances. Funds are provided by IODE Canada, the Maple Leaf Trust of the CWC, the Royal Canadian Legion and from individuals and corporations.

Since 1950, IODE members have provided needy Canadian WWI and WWII veterans and/or their spouses living in Britain with a Christmas voucher or cheque. The funds were distributed to Canadian veterans and/or their surviving spouses living in Britain in the amount of £25 each.

Bolingbroke Bomber

As a special project during World War II, the National Chapter IODE collected funds raised by provincial and primary chapters to purchase a Bolingbroke Bomber. During one week, IODE members raised $100,000. In the summer of 1940, one chapter raised $335 after collecting and selling old gold and silver pieces. The bomber, known as “Ida”, it was flown by a Hamilton Squadron during the war, and was presented to the Canadian Government in 1940.

As a matter of interest, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is continuing their Bolingbroke restoration project which will bear the IODE crest on its nosecone. IODE has contributed significant funds to the restoration, which can be seen in the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Mount Hope, Ontario. It is worth noting that when the CWH is overhauled to flying condition it will be the only Bolingbroke in North America that has been reconstructed to run-up condition.