Some things never change

Some things never change and some things are better off left that way – like the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire organization.

For over 100 years the women of the IODE have been giving back to their communities in an attempt to achieve “a better Canada.”

They were there when Margaret Polson Murray formed the organization as a way to support servicemen going to fight in South Africa. They were there to support troops during the Great War, the Second World War and along the way they helped those in their home country plagued by natural disaster or poverty. And they are still here today, for the military families still, but also for those requiring educational assistance, community services, and immigration adjustments. These women still haven’t lost their will to give…granted one change since 1900 is turnover – the turnover of members, unless you know someone out there who has been involved for over 110 years.

The IODE is a national organization with over 200 chapters across Canada. However, Winnipeg does have its own chapter – the Jon Sigurdsson Chapter (which is pronounced YO-ne Sig-eur-d-son). This is the only remaining chapter in Winnipeg; the other one folded last year said Ingrid Slobodian, President of the Sigurdsson Chapter. It consists of 56 members.

Slobodian has been helping the IODE for six years now. She is currently working on a luncheon coming up this Saturday – the Jon Sigurdsson Chapter IODE Spring Bridge and Whist Luncheon at the Betelstadur (1061 Sargent Ave.) from 11-4 p.m. March 26. All the profits are going to their scholarship series – each year the IODE hands out about 13 of them. (Visit this link to see if you qualify for any: http://www.iode.ca/SCHOLARSHIPS-AND-AWARDS-main.aspx.)

Slobodian points out one of the most rewarding aspects of working with the IODE: appreciation and curiosity.

“Kids always want to know who these old ladies are and what they’re doing,” she says.

“Usually I'm not a person to belong to things like this, but it is such a wonderful thing. They produce a lot of good among the people they help," said Lara Morris, member of the IODE for the past 13 years. Her 12 year certificate of involvement hangs on the wall next to her night table – she makes sure to point it out to us when a couple students visit her.

Morris plans to attend the luncheon but not to play cards – “I can only play solitaire,” she says. “It’s nice to be invited out to tea with the ladies and eat cookies,” says the 91-year-old Icelandic Amma.