Tree planting ceremony held in Belmont
On Friday, July 3, the Independent Order of Oddfellows visited Belmont.
John Quevedo, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) was in Belmont to help plant five trees in the Belmont Forest.
According to the IOOF Jurisdiction of Manitoba, the tree planting was an initiative from this year’s Earth Day by their Lodge in Brandon- Brandon City Lodge #6.
“Historically, Belmont has had members of our Order, and at its highest we had 110 members in Belmont. You may still find our grave markers at the Belmont Cemetery, one of our charters hanging at the town hall, IOOF items at the museum and maybe some active and inactive members in town.”
John shared that the IOOF has a Living Legacy Program, which is fully explained on the IOOF website.
“The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Living Legacy Program is a meaningful initiative dedicated to environmental stewardship and community enrichment. Established to promote sustainability and honour the IOOF’s commitment to leaving a lasting impact, the program encourages members and lodges to plant trees in their communities. By fostering greener spaces and contributing to a healthier planet, the Living Legacy Program embodies the IOOF’s core values of fraternity, charity, and truth, ensuring future generations benefit from a more vibrant and sustainable world.
The Living Legacy Program is a lasting tribute to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows’ commitment to community, sustainability, and future generations. The program was the vision of Past Sovereign Grand Master Wilson D. Berkey, who, in 1989, noticed many dead trees in the jurisdictions he visited. Concerned about global tree loss, he commissioned this worthy project as the IOOF’s Living Legacy Program. Sadly, his passing in March 1990 came too soon, turning the initiative into his own “Living Memorial”, honouring his dedication to Odd Fellowship and environmental stewardship.
Rooted in the IOOF’s core values of fraternity, charity, and truth, the Living Legacy Program promotes environmental sustainability by encouraging members and lodges to plant trees in their communities. Over the years, thousands of trees have been planted in parks, schoolyards, and public spaces, contributing to cleaner air, improved ecosystems, and more beautiful landscapes. Lodges across North America and beyond have participated in reforestation efforts, urban greening initiatives, and partnerships with local environmental organizations.
By taking part in this program, IOOF members ensure that their legacy continues to grow, literally and figuratively, providing shade, beauty, and environmental benefits for generations to come. The Living Legacy Program is more than tree planting; it is a testament to the Odd Fellows’ enduring mission of making the world a better place, one tree at a time.”
Congratulations to Belmont and many thanks to the Independent Order of Oddfellows for their generous gift.
PHOTO CAPTION: Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) members were in Belmont to help plant five trees in the Belmont Forest. (l. to r.) Alonzo Quevedo, Stephen Dmytriw, Johnny Quevedo, Bernice Dmytriw, Ivan Quevedo. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
