Na
tio
Queen Elizabeth II
& I O D E C O M M I T M E N T T O S E RV I C E
“T
he King is dead. God save the
Queen”. With that announce-
ment, Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II began her reign that would last
more than seventy years. At twenty-one, this
young woman had pledged herself to the
ser vice of the people of the Empire/
Commonwealth. She reiterated that pledge
at the time of her coronation and the
National Chapter of IODE in session
pledged to support her in service. Shortly
after, Her Majesty became Patron of IODE.
Over half the life of IODE, the late
Queen has been a model of service. IODE
recognized the birth of her children and the
major successes and tragedies in her life.
Through good times and bad, the late
Queen steadfastly maintained her service to
the peoples of the Commonwealth.
Canada held a special place in the late
Queen’s heart. In her coronation oath,
Canada was listed immediately after Great
Britain and Northern Ireland. After her
1951 visit to Canada she said, “I am sure
that nowhere under the sun could one find
a land more full of hope, happiness and of
fine loyal, generous-hearted people…They
have placed in our hearts a love for their
country and its people which will never grow
cold …” At the time of every visit, IODE
standards helped create a festive look and
over the seventy years of her reign, IODE
women gave millions of hours of service and
millions of dollars of support to Canadians
and citizens of the Commonwealth.
The late Queen’s relationship with
Canada was not static. Her model of female
leadership was not without effect on IODE.
Her regular references to the important con-
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.
tribution of women in society was partly the
foundation for introducing gender neutral
succession reform. Her support for the grow-
ing diversity in Canada was reflected during
her 1973 visit to Canada. “It is as Queen of
Canada that I am here — Queen of Canada
and of all Canadians, not just of one
or two ancestral strains.” In all, she made
23 visits to the Canadian people taking
in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games
and, in 1982, the patriation of the
n
24 al A
– 2 nnu
6 M al
ay Me
20 etin
23 g
SPRING ISSUE 2023
Canadian Constitution.
IODE women empathized with the late
Queen as she maintained her leadership of
the Commonwealth and managed the chal-
lenges of parenting in the public eye. As the
rest of the family waved at a departing coach
carrying a newly married couple, it was the
late Queen who recognized the danger and
rushed after Prince William as the toddler
followed the coach. Her willingness to par-
ticipate in skits, as she added more jubilee
celebrations, jumping from the helicopter
and discussing marmalade sandwiches with
Paddington Bear was a tribute to her role as
mother and grandmother.
The late Queen had two pieces of jew-
ellery that were specific to Canada that she
often wore on special occasions, a diamond
maple leaf pin and the snowflake brooch
given to her on the occasion of her sapphire
jubilee. She seemed to value them as a sym-
bol of her special relationship with Canada
in the way IODE women value their badges
as symbols of their commitment to Canada.
As IODE and all the world were celebrating
the contributions of Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II over seventy amazing years, the
royal anthem/prayer played out over and
over “God Save the Queen. Long may she
reign over us…” The Queen is dead. God
save the King.
The women of IODE Canada wish to express
their sincere condolences at the death of Your
Mother, Our Queen. Her Majesty’s life of service
was a model for us and encouraged us in times of
adversity. We will continue our service remem-
bering Her Majesty’s sacrifice and service. We
continue in our allegiance to the Commonwealth
and Canada.
The Official Publication of IODE A Look Back at IODE Awareness Week
No. 433 – Spring Issue February 2023 01 October – 07 October 2022

T
HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENTS: he theme, Service to Others, was chosen to acknowledge
Past National Presidents, the commitment Princess Elizabeth made on the occa-
Lieutenant Governors or their Spouse sion of her 21st birthday. Chapters were asked to com-
memorate the platinum jubilee of Elizabeth II by using the
The National Chapter of Canada IODE number seven in their chapter projects. Seven backpacks for a
80 Birmingham Street, Suite B6, high-needs school, 14 towels to a shelter, 70 toothbrushes to be IODE Fort Calgary, Calgary,
Toronto, ON M8V 3W6 included in hygiene packages for the homeless and 21 hats for AB, member Vera Reid reg-
Tel: 416-487-4416 premature babies in hospital are examples of what some chapters ularly places books in three
Fax: 416-487-4417 have accomplished. Little Libraries for others to
Toll Free: 1-866-827-7428 The monetary impact realized from service to communities enjoy the gift of reading.
Email: iodecanada@bellnet.ca was staggering. Chapters reported donations over $250,000 of
IODE
Website: www.IODE.ca Membership which $60,260 was education, $1,953 citizenship and $188,121 in services work.
Badge
• Many chapters used multiples of seven when donating items such as: socks,
Echoes Editorial Committee:
mugs, mitts, hats, scarves, socks and grooming bags
President IODE Canada
• Donations of $700 in scholarships and bursaries
Jane Cushing
• Donating multiples of seven in school and craft supplies
Echoes Officer
• Donations of $700 to purchase books for multiple places
Stephney Flexhaug
• Planting flowers in red, white and blue at community gardens
Echoes Contributing Editors
• Many chapters hosted Jubilee teas and luncheons as fundraisers
Chris Bateman
• Chapters distributed Jubilee bookmarks and pins
Nadine Fenton
• Chapters enhanced parklands by planting trees and installing commemorative
Pamela Gallagher
picnic tables and benches. Many chapters used Platinum Jubilee grant funds and
Carol McCall
other sources for these projects.
Catherine Moore
• Sending 140 cards to senior homes and the armed forces
Bonnie Rees
• Hanging banners in public spaces like libraries
Renate Schuetz
The results reflect the power of women dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for in-
Carole Yorke
dividuals through education support, community service and citizenship programs.
Echoes Committee reserves the right to edit
all IODE chapter notes. Articles appearing in
Echoes may be reprinted with credit given YOU CAN DONATE NOW
to IODE Canada. Printed in Canada.
Through the IODE website: www.iode.ca
Submissions to Echoes can be sent to
Echoes@IODE.ca

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IODE
TOGETHER FOR
TOMORROW
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A fund to invest in the future of IODE.

Donations for IODE can be made using e-transfer to IODE Canada or

by cheque sent to the National office. All donations greater than $20 will be
Visit us at www.IODE.ca acknowledged and receive an Official Income Tax Receipt.

ECHOES 2
 IODE President’s Message

IODE women were excited to have the
opportunity to celebrate the 70th anniver-
sary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. For
the majority of seventy years, she had been
our patron and we proudly followed our
purpose and supported her pledge of serv-
ice. Chapters tackled special Platinum
Jubilee projects which will stand as evi-
dence far into the future. IODE women
performed their regular service in units of
seven to honour the jubilee. After Queen
Elizabeth died, these celebratory activities
were an outstanding tribute to the model
of service she had set.
When His Majesty Charles III made
his initial speech to the Commonwealth
he spoke of Her Majesty’s profound per-
sonal commitment to the service of her
people. “That promise of life long service
I renew today”. His Majesty went on to
pledge “to uphold the Constitutional
principles at the heart of our nation. And
wherever you may live in the United
Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories
across the waters and whatever may be
your background or belief, I shall endeav-
or to serve you with loyalty, respect and
love,…”
IODE too will maintain its service.
First to those who serve in uniform. At
the National Service of Remembrance
Rabbi Idan Scher reminded his listeners
of the responsibility that comes with the
freedom our veterans bought us with their
sacrifice. He reminded us “Not to simply
say thank you, not to simply support our
veterans and their families through words,
but rather through action, with our time,
with our attention and with our re-
sources.”
The nature of IODE ser vice has
evolved over 123 years and the variety of
ways members find to assist in their com-
munities is amazing. We now ask those
we support what they need, we listen, and
then act. This approach will create even
greater variety. We too, pledge to continue
the commitment of service that Queen
Elizabeth II modeled for more than half
the life of the organization.

IODE Cobequid, Springhill, NS,

hosted a successful fashion SUPPORTING
show fundraiser. Appreciation
was shown to member Karen
Wood for her many hours over-
Ukraine Families
seeing the ticket sales and seat-
ing arrangements for the In June 2022, IODE Kokanee, Nelson, BC, do-
attendees. (l-r) Marilyn nated $2,000 to the Nelson Ukrainian families
DesBarres, Karen Wood. through the Supporting Ukrainian Families. This
will assist two Ukraine families in Nelson, with
support in learning English, medical costs, living
IODE Awareness Week was celebrated by the four chapters in Chatham- costs, clothing and transportation.
Kent, ON, with the raising of the IODE Corporate Logo standard during a
ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre. Members attended from
IODE Confederation, IODE Catherine McVeen, IODE Kent Regiment
and IODE Captain Garnet Brackin.
In honour of
the Platinum
Jubilee, IODE
Captain Garnet
Brackin also made
a $700 donation
to their local
school nutrition
program which Brent Holowaychuk from Supporting Ukraine
provides food to Families in Nelson Committee, is joined by IODE
all schools in the Kokanee members, (l-r) Linda Henderson, Margaret
region. Thast, Sharon Fletcher and Holly Hasenkox.

ECHOES 3
Education
L
iteracy Lambton
collected 3,787
books through its
Give a Book campaign
thanks to the generosity
of the Sarnia-Lambton
community. Funds for the
books were received from
the Rotary Club of Sarnia
Bluewaterland, as well as ARLANX-EO
and others. IODE Errol Egremont,
Sarnia, ON, gathered a selection of books
for the 2022 campaign.
IODE Canada Jubilee
bookplates were placed in
the books as well as hand-
crafted bookmarks made by
two of their members.
Sarnia-Lambton com-
munity Executive Director
Tracy Pound said donations
were also accepted at The
Book Keep and Coles book-
stores. There were eight
new distribution partners
added for a total of 14 this
year. IODE Errol Egremont members help with Literacy
Lambton's Give a Book campaign.
Tracy said, “I think
Education Officer Marg Allan, IODE
Boundary Bay, Delta, BC, had the honour
of presenting Joshua Elliott with the IODE
BC Arts Award.
The award, along with a $1,000 bursary,
is given each year, in competition, to a
student of the visual or performing arts, who
has shown great promise in his/her chosen
arts field. The applicant must be a resident
of BC and be in grades 10 through 12.
Elliott is a Grade 12 student at South
Delta Secondary School (SDSS). His field of
study is music composition. He says that his
musical style is mainly in the realm of film
music, classical music and jazz and that he
would love to go to school for music compo-
sition. He wants to write scores for movies
and TV professionally and produce and
arrange music as well.
there’s something that is
really awesome about
getting a book. When
you put a book into the
hands of a child, it is
something that they
can keep referring
back to. It’s the gift
that keeps on giving.” Once the books
have been read, they can be exchanged at
one of the Free Little Libraries located
around the city.
IODE Atlantic Charter members Lorna
Groom-Haley, Lynda Duplissea and Joan
Beaumaster with books donated for Milltown
Elementary School.
IODE Atlantic Charter, St. Stephen, NB,
honours its Assisted School teachers with
a shower of classroom materials including
Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) Challenge kits,
books with Jubilee commemorative seals,
and a wide assortment of treats. Chapter
members served as Scholastic Book Fair
volunteers. Between classroom visits, they
refilled shelves and tallied sales.
He is an accomplished musician who
plays a variety of instruments including
piano, cello, trombone, accordion, bassoon
and flute.
In 2022, he was awarded the VAYA
Festival Outstanding Composition Award;
gold standing for duets for clarinet and
saxophone and silver standing for his
performance of Lost Civilization.
His passion for music is found both inside
and outside of school. He has performed in
many musical productions at SDSS. He vol-
unteers at his church playing keys and cello,
and has volunteered his time at many carni-
vals, dinners and banquets, playing piano
and accordion to entertain guests. Tsawwassen student Joshua Elliott awarded
He is not only a gifted musician, but an the IODE British Columbia 2022 Arts Award.
excellent student. He is applying to university
and hopes to study music or engineering.
ECHOES 4

IODE 100th Anniversary Grant Program
$30,000 to YWCA Hamilton
T
he 2023 IODE 100th Anniversary
Grant has been awarded to YWCA
Hamilton, ON, for a Virtual
Supervised Parenting Program. The families
utilize the program by means of a court order
or written agreement in situations where
there has been domestic violence, threat of
abduction, neglect, sexual assault, mental
health issues, substance abuse concerns or
any other factor creating significant risk.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when in -
person supervised parenting was not possi-
ble, YWCA Hamilton developed and
implemented a virtual supervised parenting
program to help keep children safe and keep
families connected. That program was ex-
tremely successful at connecting parents and
children safely and also reduced barriers to
supervised parenting,
such as transporta-
tion and travel dis-
tance to in-person
services, risk of co-
parents and other
caretakers meeting and situations where in-
person visitation poses too great a risk to
the children involved.
The outcome of the virtual program was
IODE Alberta donated 330 books to the
library at Holiday Trinity Catholic
School at a value over $3,400. The books
arrived from all over Alberta, as members
brought them to the provincial annual
meeting.
Mary Lou Wilson, Education Officer,
stated, “Members were asked to obtain
books for students in kindergarten to
Grade 8. She said it felt “really good” to
donate the books. “As part of education,
we always want to be on top of what’s
new for reading and the children will
hopefully benefit from what we have
done here.”
Grade 5 student, Saoirse, loves to
read. She was one of the students on
hand to receive the books. Saoirse said
“one that absolutely touched our hearts”
said program director Daniella Bozur.
Parents and children connected in a whole
new way They have shared virtual dinners,
virtual story time, virtual homework
help, virtual crafts and conversations
between parents and children that
would not have been possi-
ble without the virtual
supervised parenting pro-
gram. Virtual visits allowed
some parents to see their children
riding a bike, playing a musical in-
strument and playing sports, moments of a
child’s life that often get missed because of
the limitations of in-person ser vices.
Parental co-operation also improved
it will give her the opportunity to do
“more reading and different types of
reading”, because she felt that she was
running out of library books to read.
School Principal Valerie Norman-
Organ expressed gratitude for the dona-
tion. “Literacy is a continued focus at our
school so to have the partnership and
collaboration of IODE is appreciated, not
only by our staff but the community at
large. The chance for students to have con-
tinued new choices of books to read only
enhances the opportunity for students to
welcome the love of reading and expand
their knowledge. As an educator, I believe
we are fortunate to be part of such a won-
derful community that puts student’s learn-
ing at the forefront,” she added.
ECHOES 5
Education
because virtual visits involve both parents,
unlike in-person supervised visits.
YWCA Hamilton wants to continue the
Virtual Supervised Parenting Program to
decrease the barriers to supervised parenting
and to keep children and co-parents/care-
takers safe from harm. The grant would sus-
tain the program developed and fund
10 high-needs families to meet virtually on
a weekly basis from March 2023 until April
2024 and help those parent-child relation-
ships to build and flourish in a safe space.
The grant will also enable YWCA to
establish a comprehensive evaluation frame-
work for the pro-
gram over 2023-
2024 and to com-
pile results into a
report that can be
shared at a YWCA
conference event in
the spring of 2024
with other community organizations,
professionals and funders to discuss the
efficacy of the Virtual Supervised Parenting
Program and the potential for replication.
Front row (l-r): Grace, Matt, Saoirse and Ava.
Back row (l-r): Holy Trinity Catholic School Principal
Valerie Norman-Organ, IODE AB Education Officer
Mary Lou Wilson, President Valerie Braiden,
Membership Officer Donna Hemeyer, Librarian
Jaylyn Hewitt.
Chapters in the News
(l-r) IODE Maple Leaf President
Penny Murray, IODE Ontario
President Helen Danby and
Membership Convenor Ann-
Marie Becke.
On 07 June 2022, IODE Maple Leaf,
Goderich, ON, celebrated Queen
Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee with a
community service event and high tea.
The goal of their event was 70 pairs of
socks donated to the local Goderich
women’s shelter. Members exceeded
this goal by over two and a half times,
donating a total of 197 pairs of socks
for the shelter.
One of the tea organizers, Emily
Crew, collecting donated new
socks as members entered the tea.
Pajama Party
for Christmas
The highlight for members attending
the IODE Cobequid, Springhill, NS,
pajama Christmas party is the
Christmas Gift Project which has
provided gifts for the residents of
Sunset Adult Residential Centre for
the past 61 years. Members quite
enjoy trying to find just the right gift
based on residents’ requests.
Last fall, IODE Isgonish, Truro, NS, purchased
70 different children's books in honour of the
Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th Jubilee. These books
have been distributed to numerous local
elementary schools and to the local library.
Biggest Christmas Card Holiday Planters Galore
of the Season In late fall, 2022, eight energetic IODE
Bemersyde, Campbellford, ON, mem-
bers and friends gathered at a member’s
heated garage to assemble holiday
planters. Members had gathered
hydrangea, milkweed, dogwood, sumac
and sedum along with a trailer load of
greenery. The fun began. In just over six
hours, lunch included, they completed
103 planters. One hundred and thirty-
two planters were ordered resulting in
over $2,000 raised for chapter projects.
Local Order of Masons and Shriners sup-
ported IODE by ordering planters for
The biggest Christmas card of the season was re- widows of their past members.
ceived by IODE Boundary Bay, Delta BC. The
chapter has been giving assistance to the South
Delta Secondary School alternative program since
2007. This year, the alternative program used the
chapter’s gift for their life skills program, where
students learn meal planning, healthy eating
habits and cooking lessons. The students thanked
their IODE allies with a poster-sized Christmas
card, citing the benefits of this continued, gener-
ous support, including working as a team, com-
munication skills and being there for one another.
ECHOES 6
 Community Service

A $5,000 donation from the IODE Canadian

Disaster Fund was presented to Loaves and
Fishes Community Kitchen in Sydney by mem-
bers of the local IODE Nova Scotia chapters.
(l-r) IODE Rt. Hon. Vincent Massey C.H.
Gladys MacLeod, IODE Louisbourg-Ceilidh
Suzanne Merner, IODE Rt. Hon. Vincent
Massey C.H. Mora Smith, Loaves and Fishes
Executive Director Marco Amati and IODE
Louisbourg-Ceilidh Margie Cameron.

To mark the occasion of the 70th Anniversary Not all residents in assisted living facil-
of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne, ities have extended family and are often
IODE Laurentian, Ottawa, ON, hosted a
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Garden Party. The overlooked during the holidays. With
event was a fundraiser for the Inuuqatigiit this knowledge, IODE Yellow Briar,
Centre for Inuit children, youth and families. Orangeville, ON, members have assem-
Weather tried to ruffle a few feathers, but the
backup plan of using Elmwood School’s gym- bled Christmas gifts for Dufferin
nasium was put into place. The gym was quickly County seniors over a number of years.
transformed into a beautiful space where the With the generous support from
IODE Laurentian Co-president
gathering was able to take place, out of the rain. Janet Stratton with Convenor and Orangeville community partners, each
MC Elizabeth Heatherington.
Christmas bag is stuffed with a hand-
crafted item, toiletries and yummy
goodies. The Orange Threads group
Third Annual Tea in a Box
donated knitted and crochet shawls,
Every year since 2018, IODE Jessie F. hats and scarves. Dufferin Piecemakers
Gordon, Vancouver, BC, holds a High Tea Quilting Guild provided Christmas
fundraiser to help support Northern and
remote communities with warm winter theme fabric that a chapter member
clothing and supplies, for babies and young used to make this year’s 80 reusable
children. Attendees pay their ticket price bags. The positive feedback from staff
and many bring donations of clothing and
supplies. and management sharing anecdotes
RCMP Sergeant Jennifer (Jen) Collins, how IODE has impacted their lonely
(l-r) Susan Mirhady, Nancy Hundal, Liz RCMP Prince George, and her colleagues residents makes everything worthwhile.
Hancock, Jacky Henderson. partner with the chapter distributing the
many packages across the province. Baby The M & M Food Market owner
snowsuits, winter coats, beautiful handknits, baby care supplies, diapers and more, very generously donated gift cards that
travel thousands of kilometres to reach their destinations. Sgt. Collins has been the the chapter dropped off to Choices
partner for the Babies project since it was initiated five years ago.
Chapter member Jacky Henderson drives many of the parcels to Pressy Lake, Men's and Youth Shelter. The chapter
where she is met by IODE friend, Kathy Reed who takes the parcels on to Prince also provided sweaters, handmade blan-
George. Other parcels are transported by RCMP Air Services, North District Traffic kets, hats, personal items and snacks.
Services, and by pick-up truck. Monetary donations received through the fundraiser
are sent on as gift cards for major stores in Prince George. Purchases of diapers and These stories are shared with com-
baby essentials are made by Sergeant Collins and Kathy Reed. munity partners and photos are shared
Thanks to the many partners who make this possible, IODE Jessie F Gordon on the chapter’s social media platforms.
continues on with this far-reaching project.

ECHOES 7
Citizenship
Honouring Canadian Armed Forces Members
IODE respects members and their families
who are ser ving or have ser ved. The
Canadian Forces Bar recognizes service in
the Canadian Forces since WWII. Those
who were a member of IODE during the
years of personal service or of the service
of their spouse, children, grandchild or par-
ent are eligible to wear the Canadian Forces
Bar.
IODE has historically had a number of
chapters named for and closely affiliated
to a regiment. IODE 48th Highlanders,
Toronto, ON, formed in1907, with the
motto Faithful Forever, is one such chapter.
Members have qualified for the Canadian
Forces Bar.
Former Warrant Officer Dianne Gail
The mission of No Stone Left Alone is to
honour the sacrifice and service of Canada’s
military by educating students on placing
poppies on the headstone of veterans every
November. IODE Baron Tweedsmuir,
Olds, AB, was the first IODE chapter to par-
ticipate in No Stone Left Alone. The sev-
enth annual ceremony in Olds was held on
04 November 2022 with local dignitaries,
40 chapter members, Royal Canadian
Legion members and scores of children were
in attendance. The children were assisted
in placing flags and poppies on the graves.
Love was a reservist who worked in admin-
istration as Chief Clerk for the regiment
and then Toronto District Headquarters.
She served from 1974 to 1982, took time
away to raise a family and then joined again
from 1984 to 1996. Her father was a vol-
unteer in the regiment. Although interest-
ed in becoming a cadet, girls were not
accepted at that time. She was 17 when she
joined even though the recruitment age was
18. They needed her.
Females have been welcomed into cadets
2022 was the fifth year IODE Margaret
Stokes, Petrolia, ON, participated in the
Field of Crosses. War Services Officer Jean
Windover said 465 crosses were on display
the first year. Crosses are being added as
additional veterans are discovered in the
cemetery. IODE members, assisted by
members of the local Royal Canadian
Legion, assembled the crosses. They
remained until 12 November.
ECHOES 8
since 1972. About half the cadets now are
female.
Captain Ashley Bonnell is a full-time
Zone Training Officer for COATS (Cadet
Organization Administration and Training
Service). She oversees 20 cadet units from
Toronto to Burlington. These units have
10 to 100 cadets aged 12 – 18 years. All
genders are welcome, in any of the army,
navy and air cadet programs. She joined
cadets at age 12. Canadian Forces service
runs in the family. Her father is still in
active service. Captain Marsali Federics is
a part-time Commanding Officer for the
Cadet program of the 48 th Highlander
Regiment. With a staff of five, she oversees
the training and development of the 20
teens in the program. She comes from a
military family and spent six years as a cadet
herself.
IODE is proud of members and their
colleagues who choose to join the
Canadian Forces. They protect the liberties
and way of life enjoyed today.
In commemoration of the Platinum
Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, a $5,000
federal grant was used by IODE Kent
Regiment, Chatham, ON, to install a
granite, accessible picnic table and four
stools in Veterans Tribute Garden. The
park is dedicated to remembering the
sacrifices of local heroes. The dedication
was attended by more than 100 partici-
pants who enjoyed refreshments at the
Royal Canadian Legion afterwards.

IODE Ethel Cuts, St. Albert, AB,
found a non-traditional way to help
students. The chapter donated
$2,000 to the M. E. LaZerte High
School football team. They became
aware of the need through the
grandson of one of their members,
Craig Korte. The high school is
located in north east Edmonton,
AB, and is more than 50 years old.
It has a well-rounded athletic
program accompanying its diverse
selection of education programs
and high rate of high school
completion for its students. This
school follows its motto; it really
does Inspire Passion.
IODE Jon Sigurdsson members Natalie
Desenovych and Diane Drawbridge pick up
an order of books from a local Winnipeg
bookstore.
To honour the 70 years of service of Queen
Elizabeth II, IODE Margaret Stokes,
Petrolia, ON, opened the Jubilee Trail. The
trail, on the north east side of Bridgeview
Park, was dedicated on 26 October 2022.
Two grants made it possible for members to
place signs along the trail. Benches and a
tree in honour of the Queen were installed.
Front row (l-r): IODE Ethel Cuts members Maureen
Best, Gwen Johnson, Lynda Bradshaw, Valerie
Braiden with members of the LaZerte High School
football team.
IODE Jon Sigurdsson, Winnipeg,
MB, was formed in 1916 by a
group of predominantly Icelandic
immigrants. They named the
chapter after the leader of the 19th
century Icelandic independence
movement. Today, the chapter has
40 members. They log between
9,000 and 14,000 hours annually,
a most impressive service to fulfill
the aims of IODE. President
Diane Drawbridge is proud that
IODE membership runs in the
family.
ECHOES 9
Citizenship
IODE ON Past President Linda Gryner
and IODE Errol Egremont President
Michelle Batty in Coronation Park,
Sarnia, ON.
Native trees were planted in Sarnia’s
Coronation Park as part of as part of a
year-long celebration and commemora-
tion of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum
Jubilee by IODE Errol Egremont,
Sarnia, ON. The chapter obtained a fed-
eral grant to plant the trees. Teaming up
with Climate Action Sarnia-Lambton for
added peoplepower, members armed
themselves with work gloves, shovels and
sturdy footwear. Grant monies purchased
41 trees to be planted on 01 October dur-
ing IODE Awareness Week, comple-
menting a park bench recently installed
by the chapter. At the ceremony marking
the completion of the projects Lynn
Rosales the Environment Worker for the
Aamjinwaang Reserve was invited to begin
the ceremonies with an indigenous prayer
and smudging. She asked if she could
arrange to donate eight more trees to bring
the total to 49, explaining that seven is a
very important number in the indigenous
culture. Her gift to this platinum jubilee
project was gratefully accepted.
Membership

I
n acknowledgement of Queen Elizabeth II’s
70th Anniversary, the Department of Canadian
Heritage offered Platinum Jubilee Community
Project Grants to which organizations could apply.
To commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s historic
milestone and the 70th anniversary of IODE White
Cloud, Wiarton, ON, the chapter used funds from
the grant to refresh their flowerbed and purchased
an ergonomically designed Canadian built bench
to donate to the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.
The bench is an appropriate addition to comple-
ment the Bluewater Park multi-use waterfront trail Back Row (l-r): Mary Lou Murrell, Nancy Davis (daughter of the Late Eleanor Davis), Alex
and allows everyone to take in the splendid view Ruff Federal Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Gena VanDorp, Elsie
of Colpoys Bay. Christensen, IODE Ontario President Helen Danby, Rick Byers Member of Provincial
The chapter is best known for creating magnif- Parliament Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Grace Coles, Town of South Bruce Peninsula Councillor
icent quilts. Since 1957, they average 10 to 20 quilts Kathy Durst.
per year. For 66 years, these quilts have found Front Row (l-r): Sally Merlina, Renate Schuetz, IODE Canada President Jane Cushing, Joanne
homes with special someones’ in the Wiarton area. Barfoot.

Celebrating IODE Members

Celebrating IODE Members features
the accomplishments and mile-
stones of IODE members and
chapters from across the nation.
Chapters are encouraged to
share information on their many
celebrations by sending narratives
and supporting photos to
echoes@iode.ca prior to 31
December each year.
Included will be stories and
photos such as:
• Life membership presentations
from Primary, Provincial and
National.
• Celebrations of those members
who have served 65 years and be-
yond.
• Stories of multi-generations of
membership or service in IODE.
• Chapter milestone anniver-
saries in five year increments.
• Chapter events and recognition
received from other non-IODE
organizations.
Celebrating IODE Members will
be published around Founder’s
Day each year. It is available in
downloadable format on the
IODE Canada website under
Member Resources. Members
and chapters acknowledged in the
publication will receive a copy by
mail.
Congratulations to all IODE
members for their work and ded-
ication to make IODE a vibrant
national women’s organization.

In 2022, IODE Boundary Bay, Delta, BC, blindness. They supported South Delta
resumed their popular social bridge after- Stroke Recovery Society and its speech ther-
noons complete with bridge, tea and good- apy services. A local Women’s Transition
ies. The members of the chapter donated House, the Women Helping Women Project
services valued over $17,000 in 2021, and and the South Delta and Delta secondary
members continued to volunteer for school’s student food program were grateful
FoodMesh, an organization that helps re- recipients of funds.
tailers reduce their food waste and ensure As a chapter project, members sew book
that their unsalable food is put to good use. bags and purchase children’s books to fill
The food is sorted, weighed and delivered the bags with three books for each kinder-
to a local senior residence for distribution. garten child in North Delta school.
The chapter supported BC & Alberta IODE Boundary Bay members enjoy
Guide Dogs for two puppies to be trained spending time together in the summer, most
to assist and comfort autistic children and recently at a picnic in Iroquois Park, Sidney,
those suffering from OSI-PTSD and BC, hosted by its island members.

ECHOES 10

T
he 123rd National Annual Meeting
(NAM) of IODE Canada has some-
thing for everyone in the plans.
Members can attend from the comfort of
their home as they participate in meetings
and social events via Zoom. Need assistance
in using Zoom? No problem, contact the
National office.
Strong Today, Stronger Tomorrow, Strongest
Together is the theme for NAM this year.
The workshops planned are geared to-
wards just this premise.
One of the prime focus areas
for the National Advisory
Committee and the Board
in 2022 was to understand
what makes chapters
healthy and vibrant.
Members are our most
important asset in being
Strong Today. Sign up for
this workshop hosted by
IODE President Jane Cushing
and IODE ON President Helen
Danby to hear more about the various
ways and options members have to keep their
primary chapters healthy.
IODE is proud of its members and the
tremendous work they do to support their
communities and programs across the coun-
try. Leadership is another aspect of ensuring
IODE remains successful, strong and
WEDNESDAY, 24 MAY
11:00 am First Time Attendees
Workshop
1:00 pm Strong Today:
Keeping Chapters
Healthy Workshop
3:00 pm Stronger Tomorrow:
Growing Leadership
5:00 pm Social – Ontario Welcome
National Annual Meeting
resilient. It is the foundation of sustainabil-
ity. Join IODE President Jane Cushing and
First Vice-President Karen Dalton in a dis-
cussion on growing leadership to make
us Stronger Tomorrow.
On Thursday, during the
Annual Meeting, guest
speaker Sara Middleton,
United Way Canada
National Director,
Community Ser vice
Recovery Fund, will
present to attendees the
concept of allyship and
the positive affect this has
on those we support and on
IODE as an organization over
120 years Strongest Together.
Mental health and wellness are front and
centre in every aspect of the work we do.
IODE has agreed to tell others about the
Canadian Mental Health Association’s
BounceBack program. This CMHA program
provides individual support for those 18 and
over with mild anxiety or depression.
2 0 2 3 A G EN D A IN B R IEF
Times shown are in Eastern Daylight Time
THURSDAY, 25 MAY
11:00 am IODE War Memorial Committee
1:00 pm Opening Ceremonies
Guest Speaker: Strongest Together–
Allyship (Nothing About Us,
Without Us )
National Annual Meeting
War Memorial Committee
Resolutions
Officers’ Annual Reports
National President’s Address
IODE RCMP Community Service
Award
4:00 pm IODE Canada Board of Directors
Meeting
5:00 pm Social – Chat with the Directors
ECHOES 11
One of the benefits of using Zoom for
NAM is all members can attend. Award
recipients are also able to participate and
receive their awards and speak to IODE
attendees. Awards such as IODE War
Memorial, IODE Violet Downey Book
Award and the IODE RCMP Community
Service Award will be presented.
First time participants are invited to join
Nadine Fenton for casual conversation and
introductions at the First Time Attendees
Workshop.
The Primary Presidents’ Workshop is
valuable to those leading primary chapters.
It is an opportunity to ask questions, share
information and get to know each other.
This year Karen Dalton and Jane Cushing
will lead the session.
Members can enjoy social time starting
with an entertaining Ontario Welcome on
Wednesday. It will be a chance to connect
with other members, have some fun and
relax. Thursday, you can meet and chat with
the Directors. On Friday, IODE PE will host
a social time inviting all members to attend
the 2024 National Annual Meeting to be
held in Charlottetown, PE.
Registration forms for all sessions and
the National Annual Meeting will be sent
via IODE Canada Express News and will be
available on the website.
FRIDAY, 26 MAY
11:00 am Primary Presidents’ Workshop
1:00 pm Annual Meeting Continues
IODE War Memorial Scholarships
IODE 100th Anniversary Grant
Program
Share a Story … Bring a Book
Canadian Mental Health Association:
BounceBack awareness
Membership Awards
IODE Violet Downey Book Award
Installation of Officers
4:00 pm Social – Invitation to 2024
National Annual Meeting in
Charlottetown, PE
 IODE Snack Pack - Donations Needed
IODE Snack Pack delivers nutritious
lunch/breakfast food to schools in iso-
lated communities in Labrador.
Originally, food reached the schools
by ferry or plane. Over the years,
roads have been built to many of the
communities on the east coast of
Labrador. Winter conditions on
these roads don’t favour shipping.
The more northern schools still de-
pend on ferries and planes. Ferries
don’t operate between early
November and whenever the ice
leaves in the spring, so IODE Snack
Pack supplies are shipped to arrive just
as school opens in September.
Each school orders from the food
items IODE has sourced from our
partner wholesaler, Goose Bay
Wholesalers, based in Happy Valley-
Goose Bay. Then the order is pack-
aged and water proofed at the
wholesale warehouse. This takes
place over the summer when sup-
plies are most easily shipped to
Goose Bay. Principals place the
school order during the spring
when they begin to know what
their school will be like in the fall.
IODE has to know what amount
of support it can offer in time for
consultation with the principals
in the spring. It is essential that
Publications Mail Agreement 40026852
donations to IODE Snack Pack reach
the National Office by December 31
of the preceding year.
When this “just in time delivery
system” breaks down, IODE has a
clear indication of how important the
program is to schools. An irate phone
call was received from the principal
of one the north coast schools: “What
have you done? Where’s our Snack
Pack? How do you expect us to get
kids to school without it?...” Ferry sys-
tem confirmed delivery to the wharf.
From a teacher it was determined that
the ferry docks across the bay from
the school and the dock is unattend-
ed. The teacher found the IODE
Snack Pack order “stored” at the home
of a community member and
arranged to have it delivered to the
school.
One of the schools joined the
IODE Snack Pack program when the
principal felt that a breakfast program
would encourage students to come to
school and eating together would
build a sense of community. She said,
“It is so cold and dark when the chil-
dren have to leave their warm homes
and come to school; by the time they
get here they are extremely cold.” The
breakfast program worked and drew
in funding from another agency that
helped turn a storeroom into a
kitchen. A teacher applying to join
the Labrador Adopt a Class pro-
gram reported that when she
taught in a very small remote
school IODE Snack Pack cheese
and crackers helped her students
bond and feel linked to the rest of
Canada.
Please, don’t forget IODE
Snack Pack when you are plan-
ning your chapter donations!
This is printed on recycled paper.
Please recycle when finished.