The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire is a non-denominational women's organization formed by primarily educated, middle-class English-speaking women who were loyal to Britain.
Mrs. Margaret Polson Murray, of Montreal, was 56 when she started the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (now IODE). She had the strong support of her husband, John Clark Murray, a philosophy professor at Queens and McGill universities who himself fought for women's political and educational rights. Margaret's five children were grown, and she had her own career as a writer. As a Canadian newspaper correspondent, Margaret had travelled extensively overseas - especially to Great Britain.
Upon her return in 1899 from one trip, she sent telegrams to all the mayors of the capital cities of each province in Canada to gather women together to "send to the Queen an expression of our devotion to the Empire, and to set up an Emergency War Fund, to be expended as Her Majesty shall deem fit". The mayor of Fredericton promptly notified women in that city and on January 15, 1900, the first Chapter was formed in order to promote "Patriotism, Loyalty and Service" in support of the Canadian forces fighting with the Empire forces in South Africa.
The Sir Howard Douglas Chapter, with Mrs. Katherine Black as the first Regent, became official on February 13, 1900. It worked to "assist the children of the veterans of the Boer War, giving special assistance by supplying books, transportation and university tuition fees". The members became actively engaged in raising money for the Red Cross Fund (for the men overseas) and the Patriotic War Fund.
The women of Fredericton responded more quickly than those in Margaret's hometown of Montreal because of class, religion, and educational opportunities. There were fewer English women in Montreal than in Fredericton and the French Canadians did not support the Boer war effort. The French Canadians were quite willing to fight for Canada, but could see no reason to send troops to fight in England's war.
Patriotism throughout the rest of Canada ran high, and soon chapters all over Canada and the Commonwealth were being organized. A badge was designed and is still worn by members today.
By 1903 the IODE had recruited 4,000 members in 75 chapters across Canada and the Commonwealth. There was even a chapter in Poon, India. Some countries, like Antigua, New Zealand, Jamaica, and Trinidad, although Commonwealth countries, did not get involved, for a variety of reasons. These countries lacked local women organizers, were of a different culture than the women here in Canada, and just the sheer distances between our countries made communication and organization almost impossible. The Bahamas organized and had 5 chapters with 100 women involved. By 1909, there were 133 chapters and 9,000 members (mostly from the Toronto area). Nine years later, there were 750 chapters with 40,000 members. In 1986 there were 14,000 members in 567 branches. Today, in 2007, there are over 5,000 members, belonging to 300 Chapters across Canada.
Membership over the years has certainly changed, but we are still encouraging women to become involved with the IODE in their communities. Our mission has changed from primarily supporting the Canadian forces and their families to improving the quality of life for children, youth and those in need through educational, social service and citizenship programs. Membership has given many women the opportunity to develop leadership skills, make new friends, to learn about health, education and environmental issues, to meet women from across Canada, and to sit on provincial and national committees. Many of the women or their husbands, are included in the Canadian book of Who's Who! Pauline McGibbon, President of the National Committee from 1963 to 1965, became the first female Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in April, 1974.
Membership is open to Canadian women or citizens of other Commonwealth countries, regardless of age, race, religion, or colour. We are currently trying to recruit new members - perhaps the development of the new web site will spark an interest!
Members over the years have baked and made crafts for each bazaar, tested recipes for cookbooks, and knitted articles of clothing for men in the service during four wars. Funds have been raised by selling garden flowers and poinsettias, cheese, raffle tickets and Regal products, hosting teas, luncheons, bridge parties, silent auctions, art shows, fashion shows, clothing parties, jewellery parties, and Tupperware parties. Members have held garage sales, rummage sales, street sales, book sales, car washes, and theatre nights. Work done by IODE women over the years is finally being recognized by the Canadian government as it currently includes all volunteer hours in its GDP.
IODE members across the country raise over $3,000,000 yearly and reinvest it in Canada's children, families and communities. More than a million hours of volunteer service are given each year to local activities.
The Honourable Norman Roger's Chapter, in Sarnia, Ontario has a page on their website that is called "Did You Know". It is filled with interesting notes about the IODE - check it out!