The Daughters of Penelope was founded through the inspiration and dedication of Dr. Emanuel Apostolides on November 16, 1929 at which time EOS Chapter No. 1 of San Francisco, California was formed with 25 charter members.
The Daughters of Penelope in Canada consists of 17 chapters, ranging from Halifax to Victoria and also have chapters in the United States and Greece.
The Daughters of Penelope, Arisba Chapter No. 131, was chartered on January 28, 1945, in Regina, Saskatchewan with 20 charter members.
Our chapter Executives are:
President – Marina Makris
Vice-President – Fay Bobetsis
Recording Secretary – Marianna Kyriakoulias
Corresponding Secretary – Maria Orellana
Treasurer – Mary Bobetsis
Our email address is: doparisba131@gmail.com
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Daughters of Penelope are to encourage and promote loyalty to the country in which they live, cultivate the ideals and traditions of Hellenism, promote opportunities of education and promote the spirit of cooperation while working closely and in harmony with the entire AHEPA Family. The Daughters of Penelope is non-partisan and non-denominational.
CANADIAN AND NATIONAL PROJECTS
The Daughters of Penelope (DOP) in Canada, as part of the AHEPA family, undertake various national projects focused on philanthropy, education, and Hellenic culture. Key national projects in Canada have included:
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation: This was the first National Project adopted by the Canadian chapters. The initiative involved raising funds for research and financing the printing of 100,000 Breast Self-Examination (BSE) awareness pamphlets, translated into multiple languages (English, French, Greek, Chinese, Italian, and Finnish) for distribution across Canada.
Canadian Thalassemia Foundation: As the second national project, the DOP focused on raising funds for research and awareness regarding Thalassemia (Cooley’s Anemia), an inherited blood disorder.
Scholarships and Education: Jointly with the Order of AHEPA, the Daughters of Penelope in Canada (specifically District 24) sponsor annual scholarships for students of Hellenic ancestry with the highest academic standing.
Support for Cultural Infrastructure: Canadian chapters have recently contributed significant funds to the Manitoba Hellenic Cultural Centre Renovation Project.
International Projects Supported by Canadian Chapters: Canadian members also support wider international DOP initiatives, including:
St. Basil’s Academy.
Penelopean Day Care Center in Athens.
The Papanicolaou Cancer Centre in Florida.
Rebuilding of the St. Nicholas Shrine at the World Trade Center.