Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, Intl.

You can register for the 2018 Edmonton Grand Nest Convention by connecting to this link.

https://www.edmontonpond.org/registration

It is finally here! Please enjoy learning about our great Order as you read the 2017 Grand Nest Bulletin. 

Grand_Nest_Bulletin_2017 (final)

                During the months of August, September and October 2017 some of the most devastating storms hit the USA.  When the first storm, Hurricane Harvey hit US soil, the Honorable Order of Blue Goose International stepped forward with an organization that would aid the victims impacted by this storm.  Soon after Hurricane Harvey, along came Hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria. 

                The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a proud partner of the Mass Care Task Force, a partnership between NTFB, Red Cross DFW, Salvation Army, and VolunteerNow. The vision of the Task Force is a community prepared to effectively and efficiently meet the humanitarian needs resulting from a major disaster. Should a large-scale disaster strike that directly or indirectly impacts North Texas, the four organizations will join forces to help meet the need.  NTFB’s unique role during MCTF activation is to immediately provide food and beverages during the initial days of response, and to support the transportation and storage of other critical resources.

                Because of the learnings from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, they know this will be a long-term situation and there will be a long-term need in our communities resulting from Hurricane Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria.

                NTFB is a member of Feeding America, a national hunger relief organization of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs that provides food, water, and other resources and services to people each year.  The Feeding America nationwide network secures and distributes 4 billion meals. Feeding America’s food bank partners, like NTFB, are non-profit organizations that collect, distribute, and provide food, water, and other resources and services to children, families, seniors, and individuals in need relying on donors and volunteers to carry out day-to-day operations to meet those demands. Together, they are the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.  

                During our 2017 Grand Nest Convention in Savannah, the Honorable Order of Blue Goose International volunteered at another one of Feeding America’s affiliates:  Second Harvest Food Bank of Coastal Georgia.  We also, have several Ponds who also volunteer for the Feeding America affiliates in their communities.

                Our efforts with the hurricane storms resulted in a donation of $4,925 to this endeavor by the HOBGI.  These funds helped supply 14,775 meals to those in need of their services.

Daphney Elliott & Linda Meik of Texas Blue Goose delivering the 1^st set of funds to NTFB

Linda Meik delivering the 2^nd set of funds to NTFB.

Melissa Payton, Director of Philanthropy Operations.

A great story in charity, fellowship and character building.

Charity at the 111th Grand Nest Convention

Columbus Pond had approximately 70+/- people split between 50 vendors and 20 adjusters/agents at their mid-year meeting.  Everyone had a great time! As you can see by the photo, they were able to collect a pick-up load of stuff for their charity as well as a monitory donation. The charity was very excited to receive both as they were not expecting it.

December 3rd, the Hartford Pond sent nine members to the Immaculate Conception Men’s Shelter in Hartford to feed the homeless. Here is the recap with photos.

Hartford Pond Feeds the Homeless

The Detroit Puddle of the Michigan Pond recently participated in two days of volunteering their time at the Detroit Goodfellows warehouse in Detroit packing holiday gift boxes filled with clothing, candy, books, toys and more for the children of Detroit, Highland Park, River Rouge and Hamtramck. The Members and friends boxed up 1100 gift boxes over the two days for the Detroit Goodfellows “No Kiddie without a Christmas” annual holiday campaign, a commitment since 1914. The goal of the Detroit Goodfellows this year is to provide holiday gift boxes to 35,000 children!

In September the Hartford Pond recognized PMLG Jerry Hale. Dan Rich wrote a nice article to remember the event.

the-hartford-pond-honors-jerry-hale-on-pmlg-night

The following links you to the results and photo gallery of the Mid-Missouri Pond Golf Outing.

http://bluegoosemidmo.com/2015resultsandphotogallary/