For the first time in British Columbia in more than century, a new Odd Fellow chapter was formed. Composed of more than 17 altruistic women, Bastion Lodge No. 4 is the fourth and newest Victoria lodge to support charity and good will in the local community.
Surrounded by members of Columbia Lodge No. 2 and Victoria Lodge No. 1, Grand Master Richard Harewicz, head of the Grand Lodge of BC, led the installation of the chapter and the first signed charter by a woman.
The new Odd Fellow members are not new to chartable actions and volunteerism, having been a big part of the fundraising efforts of the lodge in the past four years, including the Tonne of Love campaign for the Mustard Seed Food Bank, Golf Tournament to support Power to Be and Masquerade Ball to help the Women’s Transition House
I could not be happier or prouder to be counted among this amazing group of women. When it’s the norm for Odd Fellow lodges to be shutting down all over the world, it’s great to see such altruistic individuals coming together to be a charitable force in their community. I’m really excited for what comes next.
This new lodge joins a long local tradition of Odd Fellowship in Victoria. Starting almost 150 years ago in Victoria, this is an organization dedicated to the well being of others through their three driving principles: Friendship, Love and Truth.
It was an absolute honour to be in that room and to watch this ceremony unfold. These new members will be an amazing addition, to not only the Odd Fellow tradition, but also as a force of charity in Victoria. What a night. I’m still glowing from that energy.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows are a worldwide service-oriented brotherhood and sisterhood dedicated to the principle of universal fraternity promoting the belief that all men and women, regardless of nationality, race, social status, religion, rank and station, are brothers and sisters; improving and elevating the character of mankind by practicing the principles of fraternal friendship, charitable love and the pursuit of truth, and helping making the world a better place to live by organizing charitable activities that would benefit the less fortunate children and elderly, the community and the environment in every way possible.
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Media Contact:
Russel Lolacher
IOOF Lodge #2
[email protected]