Walk on the Wild Side:
Dinner, Silent Auction & Fashion Show
Thursday, November 7th, 2013
The members of IODE Walter Baker Chapter outdid themselves on this year's fall fundraiser, and their hard work paid off as it was the most successful fundraiser in the Chapter's history.
Close to two hundred guests were entertained by the Crumble Quartet, a stringed quartet made up of members of the Strings of St. John's, were treated to a delicious dinner provided by the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre, were tempted by items up for grabs in our fantastic silent auction and raffle, and stocked up on wardrobe essentials from our fashion presenter, Helen Aikenhead of Three Wild Women.
As the date of our fundraiser fell so close to Remembrance Day, we chose "Operation Veteran" as our focus recipient. In 2009, Dr. Paul Kavanagh founded "Operation Veteran" in association with the Canadian War Museum after witnessing a WWII Veteran who did not have enough money to pay for a meal at the War Museum's cafeteria. Soon after "Operation Veteran" was established to ensure that all Canadian Veterans visiting the museum would be provided a complimentary meal every day of the year. Thanks to private donations, more than 5000 Veterans have benefited from this program so far.
Educating youth is another important element of "Operation Veteran", and since support of the program has grown tremendously, schools from all across Canada are now involved. "Operation Veteran" supports the Museums' online modules, which engage youth across the country in remembrance. In addition, Dr. Kavanagh annually invites students from across Canada to attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies at the National War Memorial followed by a special tour of the Canadian War Museum. The students fundraising efforts cover their travel expenses to Ottawa in order to participate.
Our Chapter has requested that our donation to "Operation Veteran" be put towards The Supply Line; traveling trunks filled with period specific artifacts that are shipped to Canadian schools allowing students to try on uniforms and equipment relevant to a particular conflict. This hands-on experience for students is something IODE members feel very strongly about, and believe is essential for maintaining a link between our youth and our Veterans, to never forget the ultimate sacrifices that were made so we as Canadians can live in peace and freedom.
Close to two hundred guests were entertained by the Crumble Quartet, a stringed quartet made up of members of the Strings of St. John's, were treated to a delicious dinner provided by the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre, were tempted by items up for grabs in our fantastic silent auction and raffle, and stocked up on wardrobe essentials from our fashion presenter, Helen Aikenhead of Three Wild Women.
As the date of our fundraiser fell so close to Remembrance Day, we chose "Operation Veteran" as our focus recipient. In 2009, Dr. Paul Kavanagh founded "Operation Veteran" in association with the Canadian War Museum after witnessing a WWII Veteran who did not have enough money to pay for a meal at the War Museum's cafeteria. Soon after "Operation Veteran" was established to ensure that all Canadian Veterans visiting the museum would be provided a complimentary meal every day of the year. Thanks to private donations, more than 5000 Veterans have benefited from this program so far.
Educating youth is another important element of "Operation Veteran", and since support of the program has grown tremendously, schools from all across Canada are now involved. "Operation Veteran" supports the Museums' online modules, which engage youth across the country in remembrance. In addition, Dr. Kavanagh annually invites students from across Canada to attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies at the National War Memorial followed by a special tour of the Canadian War Museum. The students fundraising efforts cover their travel expenses to Ottawa in order to participate.
Our Chapter has requested that our donation to "Operation Veteran" be put towards The Supply Line; traveling trunks filled with period specific artifacts that are shipped to Canadian schools allowing students to try on uniforms and equipment relevant to a particular conflict. This hands-on experience for students is something IODE members feel very strongly about, and believe is essential for maintaining a link between our youth and our Veterans, to never forget the ultimate sacrifices that were made so we as Canadians can live in peace and freedom.