By Matt Weingarden
After 105 years of service to the community, the Comber Chapter IODE has officially closed their doors.
One of the oldest volunteer organizations in Comber held its final meeting last month. The group’s numbers have dwindled over the years – partially due to being unable to attract newer members because of a lack of interest/time and the annual cost of member’s dues increasing.
Established nationally on November 5, 1917, this Comber group has helped many community members, as well as schools and hospitals.
IODE (formerly Independent Daughters of the Empire) Canada is a national women’s charitable organization, whose origins began on Canada’s west coast to honour Canadians who gave their lives or suffered disabilities due to war.
On a local level, the group has contributed to many programs including a breakfast program at Comber Centennial Public School, as well as student bursaries at a number of schools and the Comber Fair.
“When it comes down to it, our events became a very social gathering place…especially for women to get together and know each other,” said past president Linda McKinlay, who has been a member for 48 years.
“We were fortunate enough to have enough women to pull these events off with the help of a core group of about 20 volunteers…it’s a camaraderie and giving back to community.”
McKinlay said that they would always have entertainment at the events over the years and even included a puppeteer, Elvis impersonator and men’s choir.
The group has also donated to several retirement homes during the Christmas season and helps to support Leamington Hospital, Comber Legion and Agriculture Society, Community Support Centre, Salvation Army, Hiatus House, Cancer Society among others.
Especially missed will be the annual ‘Spring Fling’ and Christmas gifting ideas gathering.
The group has helped to beautify the Town with benches and provide a basketball court for local youth. Occasionally, the organization will become aware of a local family in need and will step up to provide whatever services of funds needed…usually on an anonymous basis.
A special national IODE interest for the group includes the support of remote and isolated Indigenous communities across northern Ontario, Nunavut and Labrador.
Boxes are sent to community centres, nursing stations, women’s shelters and schools. Articles shipped include many hand-knitted hats, boots, mitts, socks, afghans, sewn quilts and receiving blankets. These are made and donated by members across the province. Baby clothing and layettes are in great demand, as are warm, winter jackets and track suits. Personal hygiene and dental care products, socks, underwear and blankets are also well received.
How much does faith play into the mandate of the IODE Chapters?
“There is an undercurrent of faith,” said McKinlay. “We always prayed together before our meetings…although its not denominational. It makes it more comfortable for all of us as we all come from different faiths and is the base in our service.
Throughout the years, these wonderful women have contributed so much to our community and will be missed.
“I express sincere thanks to the IODE Comber Chapter for their fun, friendship and community volunteerism,” said Lakeshore mayor Tracey Bailey. “It is an amazing gift to watch such amazing women work together to improve the quality of life of people around them.”
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