I.O.D.E. Col. Kerby Chapter Minutes, 1920-1989, n.d.

The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire was founded by Margaret Polson Murray in 1900 following the outbreak of the second Boer War. The organization gave charitable aid to soldiers and it assisted the dependents of deceased soldiers. The federation of women was formed to promote patriotism, loyalty and service to others. The mayors of Canada’s major cities were urged to call together the prominent women of their communities to join in this endeavor. In 1979, the name I.O.D.E was officially adopted. The organization is federally chartered not-for-profit. The focus is on improving the quality of life for children, youth and the underprivileged through educational, social service and citizenship programs. The Colonel Kerby Chapter of Fort Erie, Ontario began on August 19, 1914 under the direction of Captain the Reverend A.C. Mackintosh. The chapter was named after Colonel James Kerby who was a legislator and a soldier. This chapter worked during two world wars raising large sums of money for war work, the community, health and education. In 1931, this chapter created the Douglas Memorial I.O.D.E. Hospital Fund to assist needy veterans. Other fundraisers included: their Salvage Shop, card parties and the Margaret Graham Memorial which raised funds for the Canadian Institute for the Blind. In June of 1989 the last meeting of the chapter took place.