The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons (IOKDS) is an international, interdenominational organization of Christian men and women whose aim is to carry out religious, educational, and philanthropic projects as a service to their communities.
In keeping with the organization’s motto “Lend a Hand”, Ontario Branch launched the “Special Projects” initiative around 2013.
Over the years, a variety of short- and longer-term projects were supported by the Branch. Two examples of short-term initiatives included the collection of children’s storybooks to donate to a school library; and another involved collecting children’s clothing, diapers, and other toiletries to send to an Indigenous community in Northern Ontario. Some of the longer-term initiatives are described below.
“Dress A Girl Around the World”
The King’s Daughters and Sons Circles in Ottawa were encouraged to donate pillowcases, elastic, thread, and bias material in order to make dresses for the “Dress A Girl Around the World” Project. A group was formed of volunteers who liked to sew. This initiative came about when it was realized that some girls in developing countries had only one dress, or not even one, to wear. The dresses were easy to make as the pillowcases just needed to be cut at the top and sewed to make the neck opening, and at the sides to make the armholes. Pockets were added to be useful and look appealing. Many other Branches of The King’s Daughters and Sons in the USA also supported this project and over 2000 dresses were delivered “Around the World.”
Sole Hope Ministry
The Special Projects Group of members of The King’s Daughters and Sons have been cutting shoe pieces from worn denim jeans. The pieces are sent to Uganda in eight-piece packages. Eight pieces make one pair of shoes. People in Uganda sew the pieces together and attach the pieces to the soles made from old tires. In addition to pieces already contributed, over 1000 pieces have recently been cut and are ready to be delivered to Chautauqua, N.Y. whenever the border is reopened. Ontario Branch’s donation will provide over 125 pairs of shoes. This project gives jobs to people in Uganda and protects those wearing the shoes from injuries and foot diseases.
For more information, visit the website: www.SoleHope.org
Bandages for Africa
The group had also been cutting sheets into strips to make bandages for hospitals in Africa. The pieces are then rolled into bandages using a hand machine. After receiving a large donation of sheets, the team was able to produce two large boxes of bandages which are also now ready to be taken to Chautauqua.
Coverups for Food Distributors
Recently, an organization was established in Ottawa to make gowns for food distribution during the coronavirus pandemic. Ontario Branch members made about fifty gowns for Ottawa Inner City Health. Across the city, approximately 260 people made over 2800 gowns which were donated to twelve organizations including Shepherds of Good Hope, The Ottawa Mission, Salvation Army, Children at Risk, and Centre 507. It took about 30 minutes to make one gown.
Future Projects
As these projects are completed, members are looking for new ways of helping others. They are hoping to start writing cards/letters to isolated seniors in the Ottawa Community. This is especially relevant during the coronavirus, but is also an important way to communicate, to be in touch, and to bring a friendly message to others at any time. We welcome supplies and volunteers to help with Special Projects on an ongoing basis.
For more information, contact info@thekingsdaughtersandsons.ca