For Jodi Benson (Regional Claims Supervisor in Victoria), joining the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose in 2018 started as a way to grow her professional network but has evolved into a much more meaningful commitment to community service.
“Through this organization I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to so many initiatives that make a real tangible difference,” she says. “One of my proudest moments was helping organize our area’s second annual Vancouver Island Golf Tournament, where we raised and donated $12,000 to Threshold Society in Victoria, BC – an organization dedicated to supporting youth transitioning out of the foster care system.”
That is the basis of the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, where members (ganders) come together in small local groups (puddles; like Jodi’s Blue Goose VIP – Vancouver Island Puddle), and where puddles form ponds (Jodi’s puddle is part of the Blue Goose BC Pond, but is working towards becoming their own Pond), and where every pond has its own unique blend of members and activities. Across all the Blue Goose ponds in Canada and US:
- There is fellowship – a community of interests, experiences, activities and feelings that come together as something larger and yet more intimate than a business association or a networking group. They are a collective of genuine friends.
- There is charity – each pond provides needed support for a variety of charities, helping those in need.
Jodi’s Blue Goose Vancouver Island Puddle has approximately 25 members, and Jodi, along with 5 others, coordinated their own golf tournament that took place on June 18th.
“Building on last year’s success, this year’s tournament is focused on supporting homeless veterans on Vancouver Island, and we are already on track to match last year’s fundraising total!” She adds: “I’m pleased to say that ClaimsPro has donated a Gold Sponsorship at $500, registered two teams for golf and dinner, and registered another five people for dinner only. There will be a ClaimsPro table set up at one of the holes with Nicole Booth, Janak Lally, Wayne Tremblay, and Greg Ross greeting people as they play through.”
Organizers of the golf tournament in Cowichan on Vancouver Island // ClaimsPro booth at the golf tournament on June 18
For Jodi and her fellow ganders, their calendar of activities continues with another small 3-par fun golf day in September and axe throwing in October. In November, the team gears up for donation drives for the Christmas, collecting and delivering toys for children as well as gift bags for women in need.
Jodi Benson (left) and Laura Warwick (right) delivering gift bags // Christmas lunch and toy drive in Vancouver
The Honorable Order of The Blue Goose also holds an annual convention each summer in a different city – hosted by a Pond which competes for the privilege – and Jodi is excited to add that she is on the committee for the Canadian Region Convention that will take place in Halifax in July 2027. “It takes a lot of planning well in advance and from afar, but it will be a great gathering of Canadian and American members.”
Jodi says, “I’m proud of the work of our Puddle! We keep it simple when generating ideas, planning fundraisers and organizing events. But we make a difference. And anyone else who wants to help and make a difference is always welcome.”
For more information on Jodi’s Vancouver Island Puddle and the Blue Goose BC Pond, search on Facebook or visit Vancouver Island Puddle or Blue Goose BC Pond. For more information on the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International, visit https://bluegoose1906.org/
About the Volunteer Spotlight Series
During Canada’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, we invited our staff to share their volunteering stories. Six stories were chosen to be promoted in this summer series so that their contributions and the great work of their organizations could be recognized by a larger audience. This is profile 1 of 6.