The legacy of IODE leaves impacts in different ways
The IODE legacy is one of unwavering dedication to education, community service, and patriotism. Since its founding in 1900, IODE has been pivotal in supporting Canadians through charitable initiatives, scholarships, and outreach programs. With a strong focus on improving the lives of children, youth, and those in need, the organization has left an indelible mark on communities across the country. Through decades of volunteerism, advocacy, and philanthropy, IODE members have upheld traditions of generosity and service while continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of society. This enduring commitment ensures that the IODE legacy remains a source of inspiration and positive impact for generations to come.
Feeding Kids
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Laurie from Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids Central Kitchen sent a video thank-you to the members of IODE Bow Fort for their generous donation. Their support provided 1,250 nutritious lunches for Calgary children - an incredible contribution! Each lunch includes a sandwich, a serving of fruit, a portion of vegetables, and a snack. The organization currently feeds 7,500 children in over 270 schools across the Calgary area.
Unfortunately, the video could not be downloaded and shared. Please click the image (on the right) to view the message. |
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This 90-second video is an excerpt from the 1958 National Film Board of Canada documentary Women on the March – The Struggle for Equal Rights, narrated by Pierre Berton. It highlights IODE’s support for equal citizenship in Canada.
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IODE was founded on the principles of patriotism, loyalty, and service values that continue to guide us today IODE’s Citizenship Program is dedicated to fostering national pride, civic responsibility, and community engagement across Canada. Through initiatives that promote education, heritage preservation, and active participation, IODE encourages individuals to contribute positively to society. The program supports activities such as welcoming new Canadian citizens, recognizing outstanding community service, and advocating for equal rights. By engaging in projects that celebrate Canadian history and values, IODE members help strengthen the bonds of citizenship and inspire a sense of belonging for all.
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A heartfelt appreciation gift from a Northern Ontario school to IODE
The Adopted Classes and Schools Program in remote areas of provinces has been supported by IODE chapters and individual members for many years.
Over the years, IODE chapters have been the recipient of many Indigenous items. The IODE Lord Dundonald Chapter in Ottawa had an Adopted Class at St. Andrew’s School, located in Kashechewan, Northern Ontario.
Because of their long-time support from IODE, the school administrators wanted to express their Meegwetch (thank you) with this lovely original painting of a Mother Bear looking out for her cubs.
Over the years, IODE chapters have been the recipient of many Indigenous items. The IODE Lord Dundonald Chapter in Ottawa had an Adopted Class at St. Andrew’s School, located in Kashechewan, Northern Ontario.
Because of their long-time support from IODE, the school administrators wanted to express their Meegwetch (thank you) with this lovely original painting of a Mother Bear looking out for her cubs.
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From the IODE Jessie F. Gordon Chapter, Vancouver, BC.
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Thanks to the generosity of the IODE Mary Emerson Trust Fund, Columbus Residence (a non-profit) was able to purchase, what would otherwise not be possible through our operating budget, 15 new specialty bed mattresses to replace those older and worn. The residents who live in the care home have complex and diverse needs and many due to their health conditions, spend long periods of time in bed. The new mattresses provide much better support essential for the resident’s comfort and for the staff ‘s safety.
- Holly Martin, Columbus Residence Staff “This mattress is much firmer than the old one, making it easier for me to move in bed and it’s very comfortable. I also noticed, watching care staff change the bed linens, how much nicer looking the mattress is.” Sue S. (Resident) Since 1979, the IODE Mary Emerson Trust Fund has donated substantial funds to benefit seniors throughout British Columbia. |
From IODE Katie Hazen Mackay, Saint John, NB, the following testimonial was received from the son of a recipient who received a Twiddlemuff:
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"Do you recall the knitted hand muff, I don’t know what it is actually called? Well, to say it was a big hit with Mom would be a bit of an understatement.
She uses it extensively every day. We call it her “hand warmer”. Although she does not make a lot of use of the various attachments at this time, when she sits down on her chair in the Livingroom, if her favourite toy is not made readily available she will look around for it or ask for it. This is very practical for me (and other caregivers) since when her hands are in the muff they are less likely to be in or near other places (mouth, nose…) where we don’t want them. I joke that if Mom had to choose between me and her hand warmer, I might come up on the short end of the stick. I can say it has indeed enhanced Mom’s quality of living in a small but very real way." - Charles |
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By Shelley Steeves Global News October 27, 2016 |
Over the years, IODE members have crafted Twiddlemuffs, providing comfort and sensory stimulation to individuals in need. A Twiddlemuff is a knitted hand muff with objects attached to the inside and outside. It's a stimulation activity for people with dementia, learning disabilities, or other conditions that cause restless hands.
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SEEING STARS written by Dianne Dodd for Canada’s History Magazine June/July 2024 issue.
Astrophysicist Allie Vibert Douglas popularized astronomy and opened doors for women in science. Allie Vibert Douglas, a native Montrealer, with a master’s degree in physics from McGill University, had won an IODE War Memorial Scholarship to study at England’s University of Cambridge under Nobel Prize-winner physicist Ernest Rutherford. Allie Vibert Douglas retired as dean of women at Queen’s University, Kingston, in 1959 but continued to teach until 1964. She passed in 1988 at age ninety-three. |
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Retired Ottawa High School Teacher Roger Taguchi grow-up bilingual, speaking Japanese and English at home. In 1961 Roger won the Grade 11 History Prize at Burlington Central High School in Burlington ON donated by IODE Thayendanega Chapter (this chapter retired in 1996). The following comments are from Roger; “I have tried to pay back Canadian society for the help and encouragement I received throughout my life. Basically, I had my 8 years of undergrad and grad school education paid for by various scholarships and prizes (in 1963 when I finished Grade 13, there were no interest-free student loans, and without prize money I would not have gone on to university, as I grew up on a poor farm and was fearful of being in monetary debt). As I wrote you, $100 was a lot of money in 1961 (probably equal to $1,000 to $2,000 in today’s purchasing power). Mark Sutcliffe mentioned in the article is the current Mayor of Ottawa. My brother mentioned in the article died July 2, 2024, peacefully at home.” |
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IODE in Niagara Falls, ON, between 1917 and 2002 nine chapters of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire in Niagara Falls engaged generations of women who worked together to provide education, healthcare, social supports and special provisions especially during times of conflict and need.
Video produced by Niagara Falls Museums.
Video produced by Niagara Falls Museums.
