Over 10,000 volunteer hours donated by IODE in 2008

IODE Dr. Herbert A. Bruce Chapter
News Release

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The 43 local IODE members of Dr. Herbert A. Bruce Chapter worked tirelessly in 2008, donating 10,559 hours to the community of North Bay.

The Chapter was most well known in 2008 for its “cheeky” calendar featuring the members in the nude performing their charitable works. The calendar sales exceeded the goal and netted $25,000 for an Educational Bursary for the Women of Nipissing Transition House. The first two $500 bursaries were awarded to two recipients on December 6th, 2008, National Day of Remembrance. Bursaries will be awarded on an annual basis for 20 years.

The Chapter members continued to operate the IODE Victory Shop, a volunteer run second hand shop located at 358 Algonquin Avenue, six days a week. The shop realized a profit of $13,593.41. Funds raised supported Citizenship, Education and Services initiatives including citizenship awards to graduating high school students and bursaries and scholarships to Nipissing and Canadore students in various fields of study. Through the collection of items and donations from members and generous individuals, the Chapter was able to support two local nursing homes, a remote school and a family at Christmas time, Children’s Aid Society, Nipissing Transition House, Pediatric and Neonatal Care, North Bay General Hospital and various other charitable groups and causes throughout the year. The total amount spent on local, provincial and national Citizenship, Education and Services programs in 2008 by this Chapter was $29,063.85.

IODE Dr. Herbert A. Bruce Chapter is celebrating National Volunteer Week (April 19-25th) on April 24th, 2009 1:30 p.m. at the Rorab Shrine Club, 1260 Brookes Street, North Bay. Martha Kennedy will be presenting on behalf of Books by the Bay and refreshments will be served. Women of all ages are welcome to attend to find out more about IODE and how to make a difference in our community.

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