IODE Kathleen Drope Chapter: Present
In 2016 we are celebrated our 40th Anniversary. We are very proud to call ourselves IODE members. We work hard but, as you can tell, also enjoy sharing the company of our fellow members. To see what we are up to see Our Work section.
IODE Kathleen Drope Chapter: History
Mrs. Kathleen I. G. Drope 1953-1955,
National IODE President
This Toronto-based IODE chapter came into being in February 1976. The Bestowal of Charter service was held in the headquarters of the Municipal Chapter of Toronto, and appropriate for such an important occasion, all 18 charter members wore long skirts as was the fashion of the day. Eager and enthusiastic, these young women committed themselves to uphold the values of this venerable women’s charitable organization and immediately proceeded to agree on first, how to raise money, and second, how to spend it. Our first money raiser was selling geraniums. Forty years later, we are still selling geraniums but now those hardy plants are enhanced with other bedding annuals and gorgeous planted pots.
Over the years, the membership has changed but we have been able to maintain our membership (still about 18 women). In addition to selling flowers, we have made and sold crafts at IODE Toronto’s Extravaganza, partnered with another chapter and subsequently took over The IODE Bargain Emporium at Black Creek Pioneer Village, presented a number of fashion shows, produced a number of cookbooks including one featuring our children’s art, and in 1983 we outdid ourselves with an ambitious undertaking.
We hired the ‘Empire Sandy’, a large, three-masted schooner to cruise Lake Ontario. We sold tickets at $25 to 200 guests who enjoyed beverages, including liquor and beer, and a buffet luncheon made and served by the members. A strolling trio provided the musical entertainment. Each ticket was entered into a lucky draw for exciting prizes. The weather was absolutely perfect! The proceeds from this amazing day allowed us to assist the Canadian Hearing Society by purchasing acoustic couplers which transcribe spoken word to type and type back to spoken language. We were tired and thrilled by our accomplishment.
Our very best achievement was to spawn a new IODE chapter in Etobicoke, the west Toronto community where most of our members live. We were proud and honoured to gather another group of local women interested in the purpose of IODE and then to attend the Bestowal of Charter Ceremony for Barbara Frum Chapter on Xxx OR in XXX. It was so appropriate the honour the renown journalist who sought always to be just and honest by naming the chapter after her. Sadly, the Barbara Frum Chapter suffered a number of losses - members who died as young women and members who moved from the area due to a change in employment. It was agreed that the remaining members join Kathleen Drope Chapter. Their commitment and joie de vivre expanded the scope of activities and interests. Today we still continue to support The Redwood, a women’s shelter initially helped by Barbara Frum Chapter.
Our Name
IODE chapters are named for people or events of significance and for geographical locations. Our chapter is named in honour of a remarkable woman. Kathleen Drope was born Kathleen IsabelGoderham. She was a raised in a well-to-do family and educated at fine schools. True to her upbringing, she recognized the importance of being a leader and supporting needy causes.
Over the years, the membership has changed but we have been able to maintain our membership (still about 18 women). In addition to selling flowers, we have made and sold crafts at IODE Toronto’s Extravaganza, partnered with another chapter and subsequently took over The IODE Bargain Emporium at Black Creek Pioneer Village, presented a number of fashion shows, produced a number of cookbooks including one featuring our children’s art, and in 1983 we outdid ourselves with an ambitious undertaking.
We hired the ‘Empire Sandy’, a large, three-masted schooner to cruise Lake Ontario. We sold tickets at $25 to 200 guests who enjoyed beverages, including liquor and beer, and a buffet luncheon made and served by the members. A strolling trio provided the musical entertainment. Each ticket was entered into a lucky draw for exciting prizes. The weather was absolutely perfect! The proceeds from this amazing day allowed us to assist the Canadian Hearing Society by purchasing acoustic couplers which transcribe spoken word to type and type back to spoken language. We were tired and thrilled by our accomplishment.
Our very best achievement was to spawn a new IODE chapter in Etobicoke, the west Toronto community where most of our members live. We were proud and honoured to gather another group of local women interested in the purpose of IODE and then to attend the Bestowal of Charter Ceremony for Barbara Frum Chapter on Xxx OR in XXX. It was so appropriate the honour the renown journalist who sought always to be just and honest by naming the chapter after her. Sadly, the Barbara Frum Chapter suffered a number of losses - members who died as young women and members who moved from the area due to a change in employment. It was agreed that the remaining members join Kathleen Drope Chapter. Their commitment and joie de vivre expanded the scope of activities and interests. Today we still continue to support The Redwood, a women’s shelter initially helped by Barbara Frum Chapter.
Our Name
IODE chapters are named for people or events of significance and for geographical locations. Our chapter is named in honour of a remarkable woman. Kathleen Drope was born Kathleen IsabelGoderham. She was a raised in a well-to-do family and educated at fine schools. True to her upbringing, she recognized the importance of being a leader and supporting needy causes.
