H
Na ighl
IODE Labrador Bursary Fund
T
he IODE Labrador Bursary Fund began in 1982 when IODE
members initiated a capital fund for the purpose of granting
bursaries to eager, intelligent, coastal Labrador high school
students accepted at community colleges, universities, technical or
vocational schools. The IODE Labrador Bursary program has helped
Labrador students become medical professionals, accountants, air-
plane mechanics, engineers, journalists, technicians and teachers.
In the early ’80s, IODE members knew that Labrador students
graduating from coastal high schools had the same dreams as all
young people and were ideally suited to participate in the growth of
their province. It was clear that as Labrador and Newfoundland con-
tinued to develop, there would be a need for skilled, professional
people in oil development, medicine and social services.
Hundreds of students have been assisted since the first IODE
cheque was given in 1982.
There is great need for post-secondary education for Labrador
students. The cost of relocation and housing are an imposing
expense facing any student interested in furthering their education.
Alliah Alvarez, Faculty of Business
Administration, Dean’s List
Alliah Alvarez immigrated from the Philippines
to Goose Bay, NL, five years ago. Now she’s
enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce (Co-
op) program at Memorial University. She was
included in the Faculty of Business
Administration Dean's List 2018-19. Alliah
strives to be on the Dean’s list every school year. She intends to
become a Certified Public Accountant and while working, she plans
to study taxation and criminal law. From there, she plans to open her
own accounting and/or law firm. Alliah is grateful for the support of
her parents who inspired her to push harder, dream bigger and to
never give up.
Tyler French, Memorial University,
Science/Medicine
Tyler is currently in his final year of his BSc, major-
ing in Biology at Memorial University in St. John’s,
NL. His minor is Mathematics. Tyler has been
preparing for his Medical College Admission
Test (MCAT) exams for medical school and in the
near future, he will be a practicing doctor.
IODE Canada is a national women’s charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life
for individuals through education support, community service and citizenship programs.
tio igh
na ts
l A of
nn th
ua e 2
l M 02
ee 0
tin
g
FALL ISSUE 2020
The bursary is to be used toward major expenses such as tuition and
accommodation. Renewal applications are considered on individual
merit taking into account student loans/grants for which the
applicant is eligible and the amount of additional assistance
permitted under the terms of such loan/grant.
Growth of the capital fund is vital for this bursary. The available
interest on the capital is divided between renewals and new
applicants. Each year, the demand for the IODE Labrador Bursary
far exceeds the money available. The Labrador Bursary is offered
every year, for students continuing to post-secondary education from
high schools in coastal Labrador communities. Eligible students are
those who do not qualify for full funding from other sources.
Contributions from individuals and chapters to the Labrador Bursary
Fund are most welcome at any time. Please contribute to this worth-
while fund and continue to make a difference in the lives of students
of Labrador. Donations can be made through the National office.
Information on recent recipients of the IODE Labrador Bursary
follows.
Alisa Sainsbury, Graduate of Dalhousie
University
Alisa completed her undergraduate
Bioveterinary Science degree and a certifi-
cate in cellular biology and genetics at
Dalhousie University. She will be enrolling
in the Medical Laboratory Technician pro-
gram at the College of the North Atlantic.
She plans to have a career in the sciences
and maintain a self-sustainable lifestyle.
Ashley Dingwell, Memorial University,
pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
Ashley grew up with a great passion for the stage.
She is studying theatre at Memorial University
and enjoying opportunities to work with many
talented artists and professors. Ashley felt
fortunate to receive the IODE Labrador Bursary,
which was especially helpful in relieving finan-
cial stress, allowing her to continue her studies.
Complete biographies of these recipients can be found on the IODE Canada website.
The Official Publication of IODE
No. 428 – Fall Issue September 2020

PATRON: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

VICEREGAL PATRON:
Her Excellency, the Right Honourable
Julie Payette, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.Q.
Invest in IODE. To meet the IODE’s Together for Tomorrow fund between now
operating expenses the Directors of IODE and Christmas. To date this year, $5,330 has
HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENTS:
established a Together for Tomorrow fund in been donated. The 2020 General Fund
Past National Presidents,
2019. For the financial year ended Budget is based on a Together for Tomorrow
Lieutenant Governors or their Spouse
31 December 2019, the cost of operating fund amount of $20,000 to balance the
The National Chapter of Canada IODE the National Office was $232,364, a reduc- budget. This leaves $14,670 to raise. Your
40 Orchard View Blvd., Suite 219 tion of $10,355 from 2018. Fees, chapter donation will qualify for an Official Income
Toronto, ON M4R 1B9 donations and contributions totalled Tax Receipt. If 300 members donated $50
Tel: 416-487-4416 $146,090, leaving a deficit $86,274. This each the target will be met! This goal is
Fax: 416-487-4417 deficit was offset by $37,357 from the achievable! Please send a cheque payable
Toll Free: 1-866-827-7428 Endowment Fund, by administrative recov- to IODE Canada or make an e-transfer to
Email: iodecanada@bellnet.ca ery of $30,917 and $18,000 from the iodecanada@bellnet.ca. Donate as a chap-
Website: www.IODE.ca
IODE
Membership Together for Tomorrow fund. ter to recognize a birthday or milestone
Badge The goal for the Together for Tomorrow event. Members may want to consider a
Echoes Editorial Committee: fund is to raise at least $50,000 annually. donation as a Christmas gift.
President IODE Canada It is important members support the
Carol McCall
Echoes Officer
Stephney Flexhaug
Echoes Contributing Editors
1900 2020
Chris Bateman
Jane Cushing
Nadine Fenton
Pamela Gallagher
Catherine Moore
Bonnie Rees Chairmen of National Committees 2020 - 2021
Renate Schuetz
IODE 100th Anniversary Grant Program . . . . . . . . . . Carole Yorke
Echoes Committee reserves the right to edit
all IODE chapter notes. Articles appearing in IODE Violet Downey Book Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Anne Mason
Echoes may be reprinted with credit given Labrador Adopt-A-Class Co-ordinator . . . . . . . . . . . Anne White
to IODE Canada. Printed in Canada.
Labrador Bursary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rose Carolyn Smith
Submissions to Echoes can be sent to Liaison for Chapters under National Jurisdiction . . . Sue Linnen
Echoes@IODE.ca National Life Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Ann Butler
Changing your address or your email address? Archivist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bonnie Rees
Please let us know!

SAVE THE DATES!

STAY CONNECTED
02 June – 04 June 2021

Membertou, NS, is our host community for this special three day event in 2021
Visit us at www.IODE.ca

ECHOES 2
 IODE President’s Message

less of how students are learning. Snack Pack

W
e have been facing a world with
unique problems caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic that are
unlike anything experienced in the past
century. During the past six months of social
distancing, IODE women have reached out
to others in their communities. By sending
emails, text messages, greeting cards and
letters and telephoning, we have helped to
keep people well by alleviating a little of
their loneliness. Being confined inside for
weeks is challenging for everyone. There
have been many changes in the way we op-
erate due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but
there are many qualities that have remained
constant in IODE: our concern for people,
our regard for our communities and Canada,
and our three main areas of concern -
Education, Services and Citizenship. But
for any organization to be successful in the
long-term, it needs to be flexible. During this
pandemic, IODE chapters have been cre-
ative and adaptable. We have met by
teleconference, Zoom, Webex, Skype,
FaceTime and any other videotelephony
product we could get our hands on. We are
an opportunist group when it comes to get-
ting the job done with what is at hand!
Our new projects help our communities
deal with specific needs that have arisen due
to Covid-19. We are sewing and donating
hundreds of face masks and making hats and
uniform bags for nurses and personal care
workers. We are donating food and funds to
other community organizations that operate
food banks and provide personal protective
equipment to emergency care workers. Even
though many fund-raising projects were un-
able to continue due to the restrictions of
social distancing, chapters have figured out
how to make butter tarts and jars of red
pepper jelly safely, to sell geraniums and to
reopen their thrift shops while complying
with all the Covid-19 guidelines. Other
fund-raisers are on hold for this year because
they could not be done safely. All chapters
are doing their best to continue supporting
students with scholarships and bursaries for
this school year. Whether students are in
class physically or virtually, most costs of
school supplies and tuition continue, regard-
is being delivered to the schools in Labrador
and our chapter and individual donations
have been strong this year supporting our
2020 shipments.
What else can we do? We have seen the
consequences of inadequate resources for
long-term care facilities in the tragic losses
of life suffered by our seniors living in those
facilities. We can monitor the promises made
by our governments to provide safe and
quality long-term care. Women’s shelters
have been unable to meet the demand for
safe havens for women and children during
the pandemic and need more support from
public funds. Homelessness has also become
a focus as public health authorities have
worked at finding more facilities to try to
achieve social distancing within overcrowd-
ed shelters. We can add our voices to
support change in how public funds are used
to serve homeless people, abused women,
long-term care residents and marginalized
people. Despite the constraints of our
current situation, we can speak up about
what we believe in and value.
As IODE women look ahead to a
difficult winter, we can continue to be pos-
itive and resilient, to be safe and to be kind
and to plan and raise our voices for a better
future.

IODE Welcomes New Provincial Presidents

IODE Canada is pleased to welcome two new Provincial Presidents who will serve
as Vice-Presidents and Directors on the Board. They bring a wealth of knowledge
and experience with more than 60 years of membership in IODE.

Carole Yorke, Vancouver, BC Eileen Glennie, Springhill, NS

President IODE British Columbia
Carole joined IODE in 1994 and is a charter member of
IODE Richmond, Vancouver. This is Carole’s second time
serving as President of IODE British Columbia. She has
served as President and Vice-President of her chapter.
Provincially, she has served on the Nominating Committee,
as Vice-President, Lower Mainland Vice-President,
President and Chair of the Scholarship Fund. Nationally,
she is Chairman of the IODE 100th Anniversary Grant
Program and has served on the Nominating Committee.
President IODE Nova Scotia
Eileen joined IODE Cobequid in 1980. She served three
year terms as President, Education Officer, Citizenship
Officer, Services Officer and Membership Officer. On the
Provincial level she served two terms as Area Vice-
President, Education Officer, War Memorial Convenor and
was the IODE Cobequid appointed representative for
several years. Eileen is active in other volunteer organiza-
tions and community events but she is most proud to be
an IODE member and to support everything it stands for.

ECHOES 3
2019 National Annual Report Highlights
T
hroughout the past several months,
Canadians have heard from many
corners of the country that “We’re
in this Together”. In completing the annu-
al reports for the National Annual Meeting,
it became evident IODE members have
known and embodied this phrase for years.
Citizenship initiatives were as diverse as
the chapters involved. Members have been
enriched from supporting refugee families,
to recognizing events such as
Remembrance Day and Black History
Month or learning about individuals such
as Viola Desmond and local servicemen
killed defending our country. 2019 saw the
initiation of the Canadian Forces Bar.
Communications and Public Relations
reported more than half of the chapters use
websites, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Social media has significant power to share
the good works of members. A perfect
example was the use of social media plat-
forms and print media in Alberta to launch
their fundraising campaign to raise
$100,000 for the Alberta Council of
Women’s Shelters. There has been a
relaunch of the National Facebook page and
an updating of the National Website.
Every year for the past 22 years, Millie Barber
has donated a Christmas cross stitched
afghan to IODE Gloucester, Bathurst, NB, to
be used as a fundraiser to support chapter
services and education projects in the com-
munity. Each afghan takes 300 – 400 hours
to complete.
Two issues of Echoes were published. The
spring edition featured the IODE 100th
Anniversary Grant Program winner in Saint
John, NB. The article detailed the Parent-
Child Assistance Program for new and soon-
to-be mothers with alcohol and substance
abuse disorders. Also featured, was The
National Theatre School of Canada, one of
Celebrating friendship and 45 years of serv-
ice are members from IODE Lady Holland,
Charlottetown, PE. Charter members Gail
MacLean and Janice Ellis hold the cake made
in recognition of this chapter milestone. In
2019, IODE members across Canada con-
tributed an incredible 315,788 volunteer hours.
the three recipients of a National Education
annual award. The fall issue highlighted the
events of the 119 th National Annual
Meeting, including profiles of the three War
Memorial Scholars and recognitions of Life
Memberships awarded at all levels.
Education dollars at every level resulted
in stories of success for students striving to
develop their individual potential. From
gift cards through the IODE Shop to Give
program with Indigo, to graduate bursaries
in every field imaginable, students were
supported by IODE members. A few high-
lights include money to a secondary school
to purchase necessary furnishings; to fund a
free clothing and food program; many
examples of program support that ensured
a student would not be excluded from an
event or program due to lack of financial
means; a chapter renting tables at a school’s
craft sale and then using those proceeds to
support a designated program. Schools well
beyond local communities, in northern and
remote regions of the country, were support-
ed by 46 chapters with items shipped that
were as varied as the chapters themselves.
A quarter of a million dollars was
expended on a breadth of scholarships, bur-
saries, grants and awards that ranged in
criteria and covered endless subject areas.
Three ambitious provincial initiatives used
collective resources and cooperative part-
nerships with Universities to result in the
IODE Centenary Aboriginal Award in
Medicine; an Endowment Fund allowing
an $850 annual nursing award in perpetu-
ity; and STEM (Science, Technology,
ECHOES 4
Engineering and Mathematics) scholarships
to assist women in scientific fields of study.
The proceeds from sales of IODE
Planners help IODE Canada sponsor young
artists at the National Ballet School,
National Theatre School, and National
Youth Orchestra. Collectively, education
expenditures surpassed half a million dollars.
Numerous Constitution meetings were
held in 2019 to bring the Constitution and
Primary Chapter Regulations in alignment
with General Operating By-Law No. 1 and
the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporation
Act. The work is ongoing and forms the
basis of IODE practices across the country.
In 2019, new members were installed in
48 chapters. There is a renewed focus at
chapter activities and participation, along
with the use of social media to keep mem-
bers connected. Major milestones were
acknowledged for members serving 10 years,
77 years or somewhere in between. Life
memberships were also awarded in recogni-
tion of extraordinary service.
A staggering $1.7 million of support was
expended in services last year. The inter-
esting realization was the diversity of facil-
ities that benefitted from members’
generosity. Centres of all sizes and descrip-
tions were enhanced including those for
addiction treatment, young offenders,
crisis, outreach, shelter, recreation, sports,
service dogs, childcare and community.
Facilities serving the needs of seniors, young
children, youth, persons with disabilities,
health care and education all benefitted.
Establishments such as YW/MCAs, schools,
hospitals, charities, churches, specialty
camps, community kitchens, food banks,
and family service agencies were enriched.
All of these organizations were enhanced
with equipment, furnishings, clothing, bed-
ding, personal items or food.
There were 97 applications across
Canada for the 2019 - 2020 IODE War
Memorial Scholarships. Whether the area
of study is clinical psychology and strategies
to treat children on the autism spectrum;
the social influences of drinking; or infec-
tious disease spread from animals to humans,
the mental and physical health of our
society will be impacted positively as a
result of these individuals’ research that
IODE helps to move forward.
 IODE Board of Directors 2020 - 2021

President Carol McCall, ON First Vice-President / Services Second Vice-President / Education

Officer Jane Cushing, NB Officer Karen Dalton, ON

Secretary Treasurer Citizenship Officer Public Relations & Constitution Officer

Chris Bateman, ON Dana Bryant, ON Bonnie Rees, ON Communications Officer Catherine Moore, ON
Renate Schuetz, ON

Echoes Officer Membership Officer War Memorial Officer Vice-President

Stephney Flexhaug, AB Liz Hancock, BC Hazel MacLeod, ON Carole Yorke, BC

Vice-President Vice-President Vice-President Vice-President Vice-President

Valerie Braiden, AB Linda Gryner, ON Margaret McKay- Eileen Glennie, NS Irene Gallant, PE
McNeill, NB

ECHOES 5
 IODE Violet Downey Book Award
I O D E V I O L E T D O W N E Y B O O K AWA R D

Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson

team of eight sled dogs against racers from

T
he 2020 IODE Violet Downey Book
Award winner this year was Dog
Driven written by Terry Lynn
Johnson. From the author of Ice Dogs
comes a riveting adventure about a mush-
er who sets out to prove her impaired
vision will not hold her back from compet-
ing in a rigorous sled race through the
Canadian wilderness. McKenna Barney is
trying to hide her worsening eyesight and
has been isolating herself for the last year. also wanted to share the unique circum-
But, at the request of her lit-
tle sister, she signs up for a
commemorative mail run
race in the Canadian
wilderness, a race she does-
n't know if she can even see
to run. Winning would
mean getting her disease,
and her sister's, national
media coverage but it would Terry Lynn Johnson
also pit McKenna and her
across the globe for three days of shifting
lake ice, sudden owl attacks, snow squalls,
and bitterly cold nights. A page-turning
adventure about living with disability and
surviving the wilderness, Dog Driven is the
story of one girl's self-determination and
the courage it takes to trust in others.
Ms. Johnson was inspired to write this The IODE Violet Downey Book Award
book based on personal experience. She was established in 1984 when IODE
Canada agreed to use a generous bequest
stance of a dogsled race, from the late Violet Downey of Oakville,
where competitors often ON, to establish a book award for English-
help each other for the language books containing at least 500
sake of the dogs. She is words suitable for children 13 and under,
happy a book about sled published in Canada in the previous
dogs has won the National calendar year. This is the thirty-sixth
Chapter of Canada IODE presentation of this award. The judging
Violet Downey Book committee, consisting of 11 IODE
Award perhaps helping members and two specialists in children’s
more readers discover how literature, read 144 titles published in 2019.
awesome dogsledding is.

IODE Violet Downey Book Award Runners Up

Terry Lynn Johnson was

awarded the IODE Violet
Downey Book Award for 2019
for Dog Driven. The remaining
four shortlisted books were:

1. Broken Strings by Eric Walters and Kathy Kacer

2. Stand on the Sky by Erin Bow
3. The Collected Works of Gretchen Oyster by Cary Fagan
4. The Vegetable Museum by Michelle Mulder

ECHOES 6

IODE Canada President National Annual Meeting Remarks
T
hese days, we are facing a world
with unique problems, caused by
a pandemic unlike anything we
have experienced in our lifetimes. This
pandemic has shown us the seriousness of
some social problems, in particular,
homelessness, domestic violence against
women and children and the state of
many long-term care facilities in Canada.
In the past, IODE was involved in ex-
pressing the views of its membership on
political issues, including its support of
patriotism and the British Empire. When
IODE became a registered charity, al-
though IODE could still support citizen-
ship, political activities were curtailed
because charities were prohibited from
engaging in any political activity. The
Income Tax Act still prohibits a charity
from devoting any part of its resources to
the direct or indirect support of, or oppo-
sition to, any political party or candidate
for public office. But now, a charity is per-
mitted to advocate for changes to laws,
policies and decisions of government that
would further its stated charitable pur-
IODE Canada Honours Constable Heather Louise Cosenzo
IODE Canada is honoured to
present the 2020 IODE RCMP
Community Service Award to
a most deserving recipient,
Constable Heather Louise
Cosenzo.
Constable Cosenzo has
been with the Yellowknife
Detachment Community and
Victim Services Officer
(CP/VS) since 2017.
Engaging the community and youth at risk
are her primary mandates. Constable
Cosenzo goes above and beyond the scope
of her duties to develop positive relation-
ships, promote vulnerable population and
support reconciliation efforts in the city of
Yellowknife and the indigenous communi-
ties of Dettah and Ndllo. Everyone knows
her as Constable Heather. Her involve-
ments with the community outside of her
National Annual Meeting
pose. In addition to alleviating poverty
and distress, IODE could also engage in
advocacy regarding laws, policies and
decisions of government affecting educa-
tion and the arts.
We remain a strong and resilient group
of women and we have the power to make
a difference. How we do that and whether
we decide to add advocacy and trying to
influence laws, policies and peoples’ opin-
ions to our activities is ours to discuss and
decide. Like our other programs, one size
does not fit all chapters, and, as long as
our values of honesty, fairness, respect and
giving of ourselves to others underpin
professional duties are extensive.
Family Violence Awareness
– Status of Women Council -
Constable Cosenzo organized:
a march through Yellowknife
to raise voices against sexual
harassment and violence
against women and children; a
luncheon; Family Fun Day
and the NWT Disability
Council.
Gumboot Rally – She was determined to
see the success of this rally and promoted it
within the RCMP. The rally raises money
in support of the Yellowknife Association for
Community Living and Skills Training for
those with disabilities.
YK Cares – She regularly helps with the
preparation of “weekend food kits” assem-
bled and delivered to elementary schools for
children who do not have access to food
ECHOES 7
every activity we undertake, we can offer
chapters variety in the vision of what
IODE is about. Because the areas in
which we might advocate about the
expenditure of government funds are all
areas within provincial jurisdiction, there
would definitely be variations in the
focus of provincial chapters. We can
evolve and add advocating to effect
changes in laws, policies and programs,
and in these days of vibrant social media,
we have seen how effective a voice can
be. The big impact we would hope to
achieve would be better use of public
money in providing for social needs. This
idea is one we can think about during
these challenging times. I think that the
new normal will have us all thinking in
any event and we should take a look at
whether we want to try to make a differ-
ence in a different way. Engaging in pub-
lic education and advocacy about the
benefits of enhanced and better spent
government funding to relieve poverty
and distress may well appeal to younger
women and attract them as members.
over the weekend.
Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) –
Constable Cosenzo is the director of this
event which raises funds for Special
Olympics. She organized an annual
Airplane Pull and a Polar Plunge
(#FreezinForAReason). The 5K Torch Run
raised $25,000. There are 98 kids involved
in the Special Olympics in the NWT.
Midnight Workouts – She directly con-
tributed to the development of the Fitness
Squad which saw RCMP officers attend lo-
cal schools to provide healthy workouts to
students, create relationships and engage
with youth at risk.
She embodies the term “Community
Spirit”. The list of Constable Consenzo’s
other community activities, in addition to
the above, is lengthy and includes MS
Walk, Sister In Spirit Vigil and Women In
Leadership.
IODE Canada Awards

Strengthening Families Program a Success

Honourable Wayne Long, Member of

T
he 2019 IODE 100th Anniversary
Grant Program winner, New Parliament for Saint John/Rothesay,
Brunswick Social Pediatrics, part of signed program certificates. All this
Saint John Regional Hospital for their support was not only incredibly kind,
Strengthening Families Program (SFP) has but it offered the families the oppor-
quickly seen success. This program was tunity to see what it is like when a
created to provide another layer of focused community really comes together. NB
intervention in battling substance abuse Social Pediatrics team has started to
and providing empowerment and support look at the data from the program and
for parents. are heartened by results from the
Since receiving the $25,000 award, preliminary analyses. Their aim is to
seven families have completed the 14 week continue running the program in the
SFP, eight parents (one father and seven future. Data trends suggest that Staff and volunteers getting ready to serve a Strength-
mothers) and seven babies ranging in age families experienced differences in ening Families Program favourite: chicken pot pie!
from 5 – 15 months. Feedback from partic- feelings of love, support, care, commu-
ipants and volunteers was very positive. nity building and positive communication knowledge translation class at the
It took many volunteers who set up, styles. In addition, almost all parents University of New Brunswick to create a
spent time with families, served food, reported decreased monthly substance-use cookbook filled with favourite SFP recipes,
cleaned up, helped with which they attributed nutritional tips/information and cost
children and even to lessons regarding breakdowns. A copy will be given to each
prepared and donated the risk of use around family. Finally, they are currently in the
approximately half of the children. process of working with Family and Child
meals. The University of The six-month Education to run another session of SFP in
New Brunswick Nursing evaluation and boost- the coming months.
Department donated er sessions are in Information and applications for the
Christmas gifts for all the progress as they try to 2021 IODE 100th Anniversary Program
children in these families. ensure the safety of all Grant can be found online at www.iode.ca.
IODE Katie Hazen participants, volun- Applications and reference letters are
Mackay, Saint John, NB, teers and staff while accepted via email to iodeinfo@bellnet.ca
made graduation night considering the from 01 September until 31 October 2020.
Staff wrapping donated Christmas gifts ongoing COVID-19 The winning application will be
very special by volunteer-
to give to families enrolled in the announced on IODE Founder’s Day
ing and bringing dessert situation. They have
Strengthening Families Program.
for the families, while the partnered with a 13 February 2021.

James Grier, Professor of Music History, University of Western Ontario, and Fellow of the Royal
IODE War Memorial Society of Canada, has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim
Scholarship Recipient Memorial Foundation. Established in 1925 and conducting its 96th competition, this Fellowship
saw 3,000 applicants go through a rigorous peer-review process. It is awarded on the basis of
Receives Guggenheim prior achievement and exceptional promise. Professor Grier was an IODE War Memorial Scholar
Fellowship in 1980. His distinguished and productive career has seen him receive other major awards,
including a Killam Research Fellowship and study at major Canadian universities as well as
Yale and Princeton. His principal areas of research are music and liturgy of medieval Aquitaine,
textual criticism and editing music, and popular music since WWII. Professor Grier has
authored four books, numerous articles and reviews for noted journals and dictionaries, made
many paper presentations internationally and has diverse professional musical experience.
The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation is a significant supporter for artists,
scholars in the humanities and social sciences and scientific research. It has granted
$375 million in fellowships to 18,000 individuals.
IODE is extremely proud of the achievements of its War Memorial Scholars and salutes
James Grier on this well-deserved recognition.

ECHOES 8
 IODE War Memorial Scholarships

IODE Canada instituted the War Memorial Scholarship Program in 1918 to commemorate
Canadians who sacrificed their lives or were permanently disabled while fighting for Canada.
Today, applicants must be Canadian citizens, in at least their second year of a doctoral program
at a university and are selected for academic achievement, potential and volunteerism.
The value of the award is $15,000 for each recipient.
At the 120th National Annual Meeting of IODE Canada, War Memorial Officer Hazel
MacLeod announced the three winners of the 2020 - 2021 IODE War Memorial Scholarship
for doctoral study: Elina Cook, Caitlyn Gallant and Daniel Kwon.

Elina Cook completed high school in
Finland, after which she pursued an HBSc
in Human Biology and MSc in Medical
Biophysics at the University of Toronto.
She is currently completing a combined
MD-PhD at Queen’s University in the
Department of Pathology and Molecular
Medicine. She is studying clonal
hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential
(CHIP) in the realms of hematology and
aging. CHIP seems innocuous, consisting
of mutated bone marrow stem cells producing a larger proportion of blood
cells than normal. Surprisingly, CHIP also increases the risks of develop-
ing cardiovascular issues, stroke, diabetes and of overall mortality. Elina
completed part of the work as a visiting scholar for three months at the
University of Oxford.
Her extra-curricular interests revolve around advocating for, and cre-
ating improved research support on various levels. She has volunteered
in science outreach for youth in middle school and high school to plant
seeds of inspiration to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering
and math (STEM).
Elina has held several scholarships, including a Vanier Canada
Graduate Scholarship and has contributed to numerous publications. In
the future, she aims to become an independent, translational, molecular
cancer clinician scientist. She feels fortunate to have the energy and op-
portunities to engage with medicine and research and is thankful that the
scholarship will assist her to continue on this trajectory.
Caitlyn Gallant received her Honours
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Bishop’s
University and is currently enrolled in the
PhD program in Psychology at Brock
University. Through her research, she
hopes to facilitate community reintegra-
tion and improve pathways to care for dis-
advantaged populations. Caitlyn’s
dissertation is entitled: “Investigating pre-
dictors of complex mental health chal-
lenges among children and adolescents
seeking community-based care”. Her research takes a holistic approach
to mental health to examine how neurocognitive and neuroemotional
functioning, as well as environmental and social factors, contribute to co-
morbid and multifaceted mental health needs. She has assisted individ-
uals living with mental health challenges through a placement in the
mental health unit at the St. Catharines Hospital. Caitlyn is currently
the Brock University Campus Representative for the Canadian
Psychological Association and a member of the Psychology Graduate
Student Social Committee.
Caitlyn is originally from a small rural community in Ontario where
she had the opportunity to work with a number of children and youth at
a local summer camp and a community youth centre. In the future, she
hopes to register as a Clinical Neuropsychologist and provide mental
health services in rural regions where access to care is limited.
Daniel Kwon is a Korean-Canadian whose
family immigrated to Vancouver, BC, when
he was four years old. His interest in med-
icine and natural sciences was present since
childhood, having been influenced and en-
couraged by his parents, both of whom are
in the healthcare industry. For graduate
studies, Daniel completed his MSc thesis on
completing the first ever syntheses of two
complex natural products that had poten-
tially useful biological properties for stem
cell regeneration and cancer therapy, respectively.
Daniel is currently enrolled in the MD/PhD program at the University
of British Columbia. In his doctoral program, Daniel is developing new
radiopharmaceuticals that will enable better informed and timely inter-
ventions for optimal treatments. Identifying key imaging biomarkers may
allow physicians to develop personalized treatments and reduce side ef-
fects in select patient populations. The area of his research allows Daniel
to leverage his expertise in chemistry and the natural sciences to make
an impact in medicine. The training in the combined MD/PhD program
will enable him to develop new therapeutics and test them in the preclin-
ical models and, in the future, to spearhead clinical trials to facilitate a
true “bench-to-bedside” research program.
Daniel has been supported by his parents who have sacrificed great-
ly to ensure that he would receive an excellent education. They instilled
in him the traits of discipline and compassion for others, enabling him to
be successful in pursuing a career in health-related research.
Scholars who have won these IODE Scholarships have made lasting and
important contributions to Canada and the world in science, medicine,
business, politics and academic circles. IODE is delighted to extend
warmest congratulations to the 2020 – 2021 scholars.

ECHOES 9
From the Archives

American Rebel IODE Wilhelmina Gordon

Foundation Scholarship
Values Souvenir (Being Retired This Year)

The Evening Telegram, Toronto The IODE Wilhelmina Gordon Foundation Scholarship at
06 September 1945 Queen’s University was established in 1938 in appreciation
for the work of Professor Wilhelmina Gordon who served as
the IODE National Education Secretary from 1923 to 1937.

N
early every service man or woman returning from over-
seas has tucked away in a kit bag some souvenir of trav- Born in Winnipeg, MN, Professor Gordon began her uni-
el like a revolver, camera, wisp of lace … but a young US versity education at Dalhousie University before transferring
Lieutenant has a pet memento of RCAF service, two pairs of to Queen’s University where she received her BA in 1905.
Her post-graduate work was
Canadian-made striped pajamas. A local IODE chapter was
done at Bryn Mawr College,
surprised to receive a fan letter from him, a Texan. He wrote,
Pennsylvania, University of
Chicago and Somerville
“I have felt for a long time that you should know just how much
College, Oxford. She was an
you helped me – as well as so many others overseas. I was Associate Professor of English
formerly a member of the RCAF and flew with them for several at Queen’s University at the
years in England … I am about to retire and just had to thank time of her retirement in 1950.
It is noteworthy that she was
you first. If it hadn’t been for the pajamas the IODE made for
the first, female, full-time facul-
the RCAF, most of the boys would not have had any. I still use ty member at Queen’s.
the two pairs you sent over in 1941. They are a bit threadbare, The final scholarship from
but I think I’ll always keep them. Sometimes I even flew this fund, valued at $800, is being given for 2020. The IODE
Wilhelmina Gordon Foundation Scholarship has been
missions in Germany in them, especially during the winter
awarded to exemplary students at Queen’s University for 82
months and they’ve kept many a bad cold from coming my way. years. This is a remarkable tribute to a trail-blazing woman
You’ve done a grand job and I want you to know that one who, in addition to her scholarly work and professional
American rebel in the RCAF appreciates it.” duties, devoted a great deal of time to IODE. She was a cred-
it to the IODE organization and an example for all to follow.
Arthur B. MacLemore

Grandmother’s Photo Spurs Membership

IODE Fort Calgary, Calgary, AB, President
Chris Li joined IODE in a unique way. In 1942,
her grandmother, Fairy Marchant, had taken a
photo of herself wearing her IODE badge. She
wrote on the back of the photo: how do you like
the suit, the pin is an IODE pin? She sent this
photograph to Chris’ Grandfather who was
fighting with the Calgary Highlanders in World
War II. He carried this photo with him in his
silver cigarette case.
As a child, Chris’ Mom would show her the
photo and Chris always wondered what IODE
was. No one knew what chapter her grand-
mother belonged to. One day, past IODE Fort
Calgary member Ann Fiksdal was at a
garage sale wearing an IODE badge and
Chris asked her about IODE. Shortly
after, Chris became a member of IODE Fort
Calgary.
Occasionally Chris would ask long-serving
IODE members if they knew of her Grandma but
no one had a recollection of Fairy Marchant.
Then searching the genealogy site at the library
recently, Chris found an article about Mrs.
Arthur Marchant and discovered her
Grandmother belonged to the Chief Crowfort
Chapter in 1942. Mystery solved.

ECHOES 10

IODE Cobequid, Springhill, NS,
participates in the Cobequid
Education Scholarships ceremony
each year. In 2020, students
received their diplomas, awards
and scholarships individually due
to COVID-19 restrictions. The
chapter presented an IODE 50th
Anniversary Scholarship, an IODE
Cobequid Annie G. Murray
Memorial Bursary and an IODE
Cobequid 2020 Special Bursary.
Education
Bursaries Benefit Students
IODE Fort Calgary, Calgary, AB, awarded an education bursary to
Bria Ward, a graduate of the Alternative High School in Calgary.
The school specializes in helping students who learn in a non-
traditional school environment. Bria Ward will attend the
University of Calgary and hopes to become a teacher in Social
Science. She created a wrestling team, shows great leadership,
volunteers at a senior’s home for independent living and enjoys storytelling, art, reading, and writing
stories. The presentation was made via
Zoom so chapter members could participate.
The IODE Fort Calgary Bursary is
$1,000 and has been presented annually
since 2010. The bursary winner is chosen
based on students who show good promise
and dedication to studying. Students must
be accepted and attending a post-second-
ary institute to qualify for funding.

Libraries Receive Best Selling Children’s Book

The Victory Shop, an opportunity shop
operated by IODE Dr. Herbert A. Bruce,
North Bay, ON, uses its shop window to high-
light significant Canadian events and cele-
brations. Here the window decorated for
Orange Shirt Day, commemorates
Reconciliation Day, 30 September. The
Orange Shirt Day story was a best-selling
children’s book that inspired a movement
resulting in the federal statutory holiday
honouring reconciliation. In the story, six
year old Phyllis Wedstad arrived at residen-
tial school proudly with a new shiny orange
t-shirt her Granny had given her. This was
taken away as was her name, language and
culture. To support a fuller understanding of
the relationship with their aboriginal broth-
ers and sisters, the chapter donated this book
and others to local libraries. They are plan-
ning on further book donations.

NATIONAL EDUCATION AWARDS

Education Awards are supported by members across Canada through donations from chapters at all levels. Thank you to IODE members for
their purchases of 2020 Date Planners which also support these awards. 2021 Date Planners are available through the National Office.

IODE PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS
(funded by ongoing chapter contributions)
Canada’s National Ballet School
Lydia Frew (third year of support)
National Theatre School of Canada
The National Theatre School of Canada awards
two bursaries to students in any stream of
study to assist with living expenses.
Ange Bledja (Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Africa –
Set and Costume Design)
Angelica Schwartz (Winnipeg, MB – Directing)
Labrador Bursaries
The Labrador Bursary Fund supported 11 re-
newal bursaries and 22 new bursaries totaling
$13,200 for the 2020/2021 academic year.
Alliah Alvarez was awarded the IODE Sally
Douglas Labrador Bursary Award in the amount
of $300. Awards are based on need and merit.
ENDOWED NATIONAL AWARDS 2019
IODE Joan Butler Awards
George Brown College, Excellence in Perinatal
Intensive Care Nursing
Jamila Siddiqui (Fall 2019)
IODE Silence to Sound Awards, McGill
University School of Communication Science
and Disorders
Shila Kerr, QC
Daniel Dunn, NL
IODE Ursula E. Bangs Awards in Cardiology
Research, University of Toronto Faculty of
Medicine. In 2020, the Clinical Research Day
was recognized with the presentation of
$2,400 in awards distributed to 15 research
competitors. The winners in the competition
category were:
1st Place: Bradley Sarak
2nd Place: Vinay Garg
3rd Place: Omar Al Bassam
IODE Wilhelmina Gordon Foundation
Scholarship, Queens University. Awarded
to a student with the highest grade in Honours
English who will be pursuing graduate stud-
ies in English Language and Literature
Jack Williams

ECHOES 11
Community Service
Ice Guessing Contest
Benefits Many
Every year since 1940, IODE Dawson City,
Dawson City, YT, has organized a much-loved Ice
Guessing Contest in Dawson City. This annual
event is a tradition in Dawson that goes all the way
back to the gold rush. Those entering Dawson
City’s long-running contest are to guess when the
ice on the Yukon River will break up. Given covid
restrictions, it is the first time in the chapter’s his-
tory that physical tickets haven’t been available
for purchase. The decision was made to sell ex-
clusively online due to the social distancing meas-
ures, their love for their community and passion
to keep the annual tradition alive. Funds raised
from this lottery go directly to local organizations
including the Women’s Shelter, the local LDAY
(Learning Disabilities Association of Yukon) pro-
gramming and Dawson’s Food for Learning
Program.
IODE Ethel Cuts, St. Albert, AB,
Communications Officer Valerie Braiden pre-
pared toques for newborns for the Sturgeon
Community Hospital, St. Albert. Promotional
literature is always included in the packages.
IODE Louisbourg-Ceilidh,
Sydney, NS, held their
Christmas meeting at HERS
(Hands Earning Respect For
Self). This program is provided
by Every Woman's Centre and
contributes to their mandate to
promote, develop and support
the enhancement of women’s
lives in Cape Breton communi-
ties. The chapter presented a
cheque to Every Woman’s
(l-r) Services Officer Suzanne Merner,
Centre and collected comfort
President Margie Cameron collecting com-
kit items for the local homeless fort kit bags for delivery.
shelters.
IODE BC - A New Five Year Project Decided
2020 is the 40th Anniversary of the IODE BC Charitable Trust Fund. From 1980 to 2019,
IODE BC has donated $556,590 from this fund to the University of BC (UBC) / Vancouver
General Hospital Eye Care Centre. A total of $150,000 went towards construction of the Eye
Care Centre which houses the Glaucoma Centre and since 2015, the Low Vision Clinic now
called the BC Rehabilitation Clinic. 2019 marked the fifth and final year of a five-year
project to provide seed money for purchase of a Microperimeter, a key tool in the BC
Rehabilitation Clinic that is used to diagnose diseases of the retina.
At the 2020 IODE BC Provincial Annual Meeting,
members chose the next five-year project for the
fund. UBC Faculty of Medicine will receive up to
$35,000 over five years, to purchase an OCT
angiography machine, a leading edge, portable
diagnostic tool which will allow for a clearer
examination of parts of the eye that were previ-
ously not visible. The university will be able to
secure additional funding for the full amount
required for the approximate $75,000 purchase.
Source: https://www.optovue.com/octa
It’s A PB & Jam’boree!
IODE Hon. Malcolm Cameron, Sarnia, ON, organized a PB & Jam’boree to sup-
port The Inn of The Good Shepherd food bank. President Jan Casbourn said “A
jamboree is a large gathering and we wanted to collect a large gathering of peanut
butter and jam to be donated. We know peanut butter is a sought-after item at
The Inn of The Good Shepherd and kids
need a treat in these difficult times.”
After making a financial contribu-
tion to the food bank, members organ-
ized a mini food drive to collect peanut
butter, jam and monetary donations.
The chapter partnered with the local
Giant Tiger Store to add loaves of bread
to the donation.
ECHOES 12
 Chapters in the News

Flower Sale Fundraisers

IODE Lord Dufferin, Orangeville, ON,
didn’t let COVID-19 get in the way of
their annual geranium flower sale.
Celebrating a 25th milestone year for the
event, the chapter decided the fundrais-
er would move ahead as planned.
Around 4,000 plants were ordered in
December with a May delivery / pick up
date planned.
In recent years, the fundraiser has
netted approximately $7,000 annually –
money that is then reinvested back in-
to the community. Proceeds from the
geranium sale and other projects has
been used to offer two bursaries to stu-
dents from Westside Secondary School
and Orangeville District Secondary
School who are pursuing post-secondary
education. The Orangeville Food Bank
has received a significant donation and
a new piece of equipment for Headwaters
Health Care Centre has been purchased.
Any remaining funds will be used to help
send some local youth to summer camp.
In early March, COVID-19 restrictions placed
many fundraising efforts on hold. IODE Jessie
F. Gordon, Vancouver, BC, decided to go ahead
with their summer plant sale, figuring that every-
one would be looking for some way to spend
their time, to brighten up their gardens and their
lives. They planned a way to manage the orders
and the delivery without difficulty.
The six weeks between the decision and the
delivery date gave time for customers to adjust to
new realities and for chapter members to plan how
the delivery of product and customer pick-up
could be handled. Convenor Jacky Henderson,
offered her large backyard with easy access from
a wide back lane.
Order forms went out late March and the response from friends and friends-of-friends
was beyond anything expected. Orders came by email and phone; payments were by
cheque and e-transfer.
On 08 May, the truck arrived and volunteers unloaded 66 huge beautiful hanging
baskets, 16 brightly coloured table pots with Gerbera daisies and 92 flats of geraniums
in four colours. After a very speedy sorting process, the cars started arriving and lining
up in the back lane for the pick-up. A very successful fundraising project completed.
Natuashish Class Adopted
My Mom, Lorraine Larke and I joined IODE
Angela Bruce, Oakville, ON, together ten
years ago. As Assistant Education Officer, she
undertook sending shipments of items three
times a year (September, December, April)
to our IODE adopted Grade 3 class of 30 - 36
students, at the school in Natuashish, NL.
Recently, I have taken over this reward-
ing job of preparing and sending the boxes
that we pack full of treats and crafts for the kids. We also send a new pair of water-
proof mitts and a hand knitted scarf or balaclava (knitted by some of our chapter mem-
bers, led by Yvonne Smith) to each student.
The community of Natuashish, located 300 km north of Happy-Valley Goose Bay
was founded in 2002. This is the Innu community that was relocated from Davis Inlet.
Still accessible only by boat or plane, this new location allows better access to ances-
tral hunting and fishing grounds. – Karina Larke

IODE Margaret Stokes, Petrolia, At 97 years young IODE

ON, librarians Madelyn (Maddy)
Hayes and Gloria Saunders, took
their chapter library on the road.
They loaded books, jigsaw puzzles,
snacks and hand sanitizer into a
vehicle and chapter members were
treated to a driveway visit where they could shop safely from the back of the
vehicle. Husbands were also welcomed! In addition to funds raised, many
stories and much laughter were shared. This event was so enjoyed by chap-
ter members that the “Margaret Stokes Bookmobile” is planning a second tour.
Bow Fort member Muriel
(Mim) Guriel doesn’t let
social distancing restric-
tions prevent her from
finding ways to support
the community. Over the
past six months, Mim
has made 11 afghans for
donation to care facilities
and women’s shelters.

ECHOES 13
Membership
Congratulations to the following
Life Membership Award recipients

Provincial Primary BARBARA STEWART CAROLE YORKE

DONNA COLE, NB
CHARLENE GREENFIELD, NS
ELIZABETH HANCOCK, BC
SANDRA MCCORMICK, PE
Municipal
KATHRYN WESTON
IODE Sarnia Lambton, ON
KAREN BRUNTON
IODE Captain Hooper, ON
BRENDA MATTEY
IODE Captain Hooper, ON
DONNA NIELD-KERRY
IODE Captain Hooper, ON
AUDREY POULX
IODE Captain Hooper, ON
PAULA SANDERSON
IODE Captain Hooper, ON
IODE Margaret Stokes, ON
SHARON PROUSE
IODE Errol Egremont, ON
MARY EVA MAINE
IODE Victoria Guelph, ON
ANN HALSEMA
IODE Val Griffiths, ON
JANE LEDGLEY
IODE Val Griffiths, ON
ELIZABETH HANCOCK
IODE Jessie F. Gordon, BC
IODE Richmond, BC
DIANE WOODWARD
IODE Yellow Briar, ON
HEATHER STUART
IODE Dr. Herbert A Bruce, ON
LINDA SHANNON
IODE Margaret Stokes, ON
SUZANNE SUTHERLAND
IODE Margaret Stokes, ON
MARGARET ALLAN
IODE Boundary Bay, BC

National Membership Awards

IODE Canada is made up of members organized into primary,
municipal and provincial chapters across the country.
Chapters attracting new members are acknowledged by the
IODE Canada Membership Awards.

Primary Chapter Awards

The winner of the Membership Crystal Challenge Award, for gaining the most new
members in 2019 is IODE Cobequid, Springhill, NS.
Food, Fun & Poetry
Tied for second place, the following three chapters:
IODE Dardanelles, Carstairs, AB Members of IODE Garry Oak,
IODE Gloucester, Bathurst, NB Victoria, BC, held a February social
IODE Katie Hazen Mackay, NB beginning with a pot luck lunch and
followed by creating a Founder’s Day
Tied for third place, the following two chapters: Acrostic Poem. The poem reads as fol-
IODE Dewinton, Carberry, MB lows:
IODE Jon Sigurdsson, Winnipeg, MB
In addition, 42 chapters across Canada installed new members through 2019. Fellowship is fun.
Over 120 years of service.
Provincial Awards Using our talents.
The National Annual Membership Award is determined on a percentage basis of the National PRIDE.
most new members for the year relative to the total number of members in the province. Difference, making a positive one.
First place – IODE Alberta Exceeding expectations.
Second place – IODE Nova Scotia Reaching out.
Third place – IODE New Brunswick Support for those in need.
Congratulations to all chapters who have welcomed new members. Members’
skills in using telephonic and meeting programs have allowed greater range of Dedicated, then and now!
options for meetings and planning sessions. IODE has become more inclusive in Active Womens’ Organization.
ways that members can plan activities for fundraisers and chapter projects. IODE You can make a difference.
Canada looks forward to welcoming new members in 2020!

ECHOES 14

IODE Canada Welcomes New Chapter – IODE Evolve
On 27 July 2020, a Welcome and
Bestowal of Charter Ceremony was held
for IODE’s newest chapter, IODE
IODE Evolve members celebrated with cake
and coffee following the Welcome and
Bestowal of Charter Ceremony.
A Membership Journey
R
ecently, I was reminded of one of the
women in my first IODE chapter.
When the invitation came to vis-
it the chapter and see if I might like to join
them and, if they might like to have me, I
said that I really wanted to do the work of
IODE but I was not good at wearing hats
and gloves and didn’t appear to be the kind
of woman who belonged to IODE. My
sponsor assured me I would not have to
dress up. Would your chapter risk inviting
a new member who didn’t look like you or
dress like you, or enjoy the same recreation
as you?
The women of that chapter accepted me
and I enjoyed their friendship and the work
we did together and separately. Right away
I was given the role of Standard Bearer.
Two members mentored me and explained
the structure of the meetings, the structure
of the organization and the traditions of
the organization. Would your chapter give
a new member a position immediately? Are
there women who would mentor a new
member?
A few years passed and my career took
me away from the cosy security of my chap-
ter in my home neighbourhood with
women who knew my family and knew me
forever. A new chapter in a different
Evolve. The meeting took place via the
internet, not because of COVID-19, but
because chapter members are from across
Canada. Instead
of having a spon-
soring chapter,
this group of
women is being
mentored by ex-
perienced IODE
members from
across Canada
each contribut-
ing their unique
experience with
IODE.
province accepted my transfer without
knowing anything about me except that I
was an educator and an IODE member and
older (34). Would your chapter accept a
transferring member “from away” about
whom you know little and is not your age?
This chapter also gave me a job imme-
diately. They did crafts every meeting and
I was handicraft challenged. They found
things that I could do to support their more
skilled efforts. They adjusted to make me
welcome. Would your chapter adjust to
make a new member welcome?
Later, my career took me back to my
home province to a rural area. In spite of
the best efforts of my previous chapter,
IODE in my home province did not wel-
come me back. In later years, I was told
that they thought I wouldn’t want to trav-
el to meetings. Would your chapter reject
a possible member because of a perceived
ECHOES 15
Membership
IODE Evolve provides a different
model of development. They were able
to quickly identify the focus for their
service activities and their common in-
terests. Through skillful use of an online
survey tool, members were able to share
their interests and service preferences.
A plan for Citizenship, Education and
Services activities emerged and concur-
rence on chapter focus was reached.
National programs will be supported as
well as local initiatives.
IODE Evolve has chosen as their mot-
to: Contribution, Collaboration,
Change.
obstacle without checking to see if the per-
son felt it was an obstacle?
Mentors are very important in IODE.
The woman who had originally sponsored
me realized my transfer hadn’t been picked
up. Knowing I would visit my parents, she
found a chapter in my home community
that would accept me. Once again, that
chapter immediately gave me a job and I
commuted across half the province. Thirty
four years later, I am still in IODE and a
member in two chapters. One is composed
of friends who supported me during my time
on the Provincial Executive Committee.
The other is a new chapter made of women
who had difficulty fitting into the model of
monthly chapter meetings because of their
employment and shift work. Their spon-
soring chapter dared to support a group of
women who needed to just have the min-
imum number of meetings and do the reg-
ular monthly business by email. Would
your chapter support a new chapter that was
going to do IODE work differently?
As proud IODE members enjoying
friendship, fun and service within primary
chapters, it is important all potential and
transferring members are welcomed and
valued. It is the simple things that create
strong foundations.
 IODE Snack Pack
Work Continues to Ensure Students Receive Nutritious Snacks

T
hank you to those chapters and individuals who
sent donations early and who increased the size
of their donations. Your efforts are even more
critical now that COVID-19 has interfered with many
fundraising activities. The vast majority of IODE
Snack Pack schools gradually distributed the food that
was sent to children and their families after schools
were closed. Jesse Smith, principal at the Mushua
Innu School, Natuashish, said families expressed their
appreciation for finding a way to continue this pro-
gram under the restrictions they faced. Some teach-
ers delivered the food to their students themselves. In
these remote communities there is no other source for
nutritious snacks.
The Board has authorized the regular IODE Snack
Pack order for the fall. It has been confirmed if schools fund this essential program. The children still need
do not open, the food will still be distributed to your help. Individual donations are a great help too.
children wisely. Recognizing traditional fundraising The $10 and $20 donations quickly add up and are
activities may not be possible, please put on your IODE vital to maintain the IODE Snack Pack program.
creative hats and find new ways to raise money to help Donations can be made through the National office
or by purchasing an Indigo gift card through the Shop
to Give Program on the IODE Canada website
www.iode.ca.
IODE Snack Pack provides nutritious snacks for stu-
dents in the most remote parts of Labrador. The past
three years has seen an increase in need to more than
2,100 students and 15 schools. Some schools have on-
ly a few students while others have several hundred.
Milk, cereals, crackers, cheese, peanut butter and pure
fruit juice are offered. The program relies on the ef-
forts of school partners and Goose Bay Wholesalers.
Please join these partners in making a special effort
Henry Gordon Academy, Cartwright, NL. during extremely unusual times.

Publications Mail Agreement 40026852 This is printed on recycled paper.

Please recycle when finished.