The week of Oct. 14-20, 2012 has been proclaimed National IODE Week in Canada.
On Feb. 13, 1900, Margaret Polson Murray presented a charter and constitution, and the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire was born. The first chapter was formed in Fredericton, N.B.
On Oct 12, 1927, the Diamond Jubilee Chapter received its charter in Penticton. Members work with and for the people of Penticton with a focus on citizenship, education and social services.
Through funds raised at the thrift shop at 464 Main St., $12,000 has been given this year to the community in the form of scholarships to both high schools and Okanagan College, Academy of Music, registered music teachers, Okanagan School of Dance, Kiwanis bursaries, South Okanagan Brain Injury Society, visually impaired books at the library, children’s program at the Atkinson Museum and monetary assistance to students attending Encounters with Canada in Ottawa. Support also goes to Christmas hampers, shut-ins at local nursing homes who have no families, Girl Guide and Boy Scout camps and Air Cadets.
The local Rose Garden was established by the Diamond Jubilee Chapter and Golden Anniversary Chapter and continues to be funded annually.
Denise Kadatz
Penticton IODE