| Background: | When the Royal Edward Chapter of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE) started in Prince Edward Island in 1901, its main goal was to support Canadian Service men and women who were fighting overseas in the Boer War. Although the group is no longer involved in the war effort, it continues to meet the needs of the times. The mission of IODE, a Canadian women's charitable organization, is to improve the quality of life for children, youth and those in need, through ed
ucational, social service and citizenship programs.
Education is one of the main planks for the IODE and so are children. Quite fittingly, the Royal Edward Chapter of IODE funds and annual award at the University of Prince Edward Island to support students. This annual award was established by the Royal Edward Chapter IODE in Charlottetown. PEI's Royal Edward Chapter began in 1901 as the ninth chapter of Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire formed in Canada. At the present time it is the oldest functioning chapter in Canada. |
