Over 60 years ago a small group of women came together to form a local chapter of the IODE. On November 30, 1949 they received their charter and called themselves the Oshawa Golden Jubilee Chapter. The purpose was to improve the quality of life for children, youth, and citizens in need through educational, social service and citizenship programmes. This local women’s organization continues today. With nearly 50 members, it acts as an active and productive service force in the community.
Through the 50's and 60's the chapter worked to raise funds to help others. They furnished a waiting room in the maternity ward and another in the psychiatric ward of the Oshawa General Hospital. they also raised over $60,000.00 for equipment such as a portable vital signs monitor, a computer system to aid patients with voice disorders, and special Chemo therapy chairs. As well as raising funds the members served lunch to the Simcoe Hall Seniors Club every Thursday night for 28 years.
In 1977 the chapter opened the IODE Bargain Boutique in downtown Oshawa. The retail space was donated to the group by one of the members family. This store remained open about 10 years. It not only raised funds for the group but also provided a useful means to provide affordable clothing, etc. to those less fortunate.
In 1992 the IODE Golden Jubilee began sponsoring the Friday afternoon bingo at the Red Barn in Oshawa. With the over $25,000.00 raised yearly, they support school breakfast programmes, local women’s shelters, food banks, the Rose of Durham, the Boys and Girls Club, the Simcoe Hall Settlement House summer activity programmes, and local organizations that aid youth, women and seniors.
As an outreach programme the IODE provides clothing and school needs for schools in Northern Ontario. As well, through the national and provincial organizations they work to provide support for our troops abroad, scholarships for Canadian graduate students, medical research and recognition for the creation of Canadian literature.
The Golden Jubilee Chapter meets at on the fourth Monday of each month. The members develop relationships and friendships through the group, and gain a sense of worth and pride by giving back to their community.
Through the 50's and 60's the chapter worked to raise funds to help others. They furnished a waiting room in the maternity ward and another in the psychiatric ward of the Oshawa General Hospital. they also raised over $60,000.00 for equipment such as a portable vital signs monitor, a computer system to aid patients with voice disorders, and special Chemo therapy chairs. As well as raising funds the members served lunch to the Simcoe Hall Seniors Club every Thursday night for 28 years.
In 1977 the chapter opened the IODE Bargain Boutique in downtown Oshawa. The retail space was donated to the group by one of the members family. This store remained open about 10 years. It not only raised funds for the group but also provided a useful means to provide affordable clothing, etc. to those less fortunate.
In 1992 the IODE Golden Jubilee began sponsoring the Friday afternoon bingo at the Red Barn in Oshawa. With the over $25,000.00 raised yearly, they support school breakfast programmes, local women’s shelters, food banks, the Rose of Durham, the Boys and Girls Club, the Simcoe Hall Settlement House summer activity programmes, and local organizations that aid youth, women and seniors.
As an outreach programme the IODE provides clothing and school needs for schools in Northern Ontario. As well, through the national and provincial organizations they work to provide support for our troops abroad, scholarships for Canadian graduate students, medical research and recognition for the creation of Canadian literature.
The Golden Jubilee Chapter meets at on the fourth Monday of each month. The members develop relationships and friendships through the group, and gain a sense of worth and pride by giving back to their community.
