As we reach this milestone year at Foresters, there\u2019s no better time to look at how far we\u2019ve come. Let\u2019s start by revisiting some of our favorite highlights from our storied past, and reconnecting with a family with multiple member generations at Foresters. Here\u2019s to another 150 years of Foresters and members doing more of the good they want to do!<\/p>\n
Highlights from our history<\/strong><\/p>\n Leadership like no other<\/strong><\/p>\n In 1879, our young organisation gained a new leader. Supreme Chief Ranger Dr. Oronhyatekha (O-ron-ya-teh-ka) began expanding Foresters and adding new benefits for death, illness, funeral and disability coverage for our members. Dr. Oronhyatekha also started paving the way for women to join Foresters as members in 1882.<\/p>\n Early causes and benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n In the early 20th<\/sup> century, a massive earthquake in San Francisco was the precursor to our first member benefits. After mobilising to help our members in the affected area, our leadership began developing a home for orphans and a tuberculosis clinic to support members in need.<\/p>\n Approaching the new millennium <\/strong><\/p>\n Over the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, our focus was supporting global charities, children and seniors. Our members rallied together to fight against child abuse through the creation of a documentary film, and we expanded our seniors home for members, the Haven, across the US, Canada and the UK.<\/p>\n A sense of community and doing the good you want to do<\/strong><\/p>\n New grants and partnerships with inspiring organisations were the stars of the 2000s and the 2010s. Through these empowering events and benefits, we were able to build playgrounds, support more communities and look after those in need. In our 150th<\/sup> year, our goal is to help members do more of the good they want to do.<\/p>\n A Foresters family legacy<\/strong><\/p>\n Our storied history of giving back and supporting communities wouldn\u2019t be possible without dedicated members and their unwavering spirit for helping others. When generations of these amazing members pop up at Foresters, it\u2019s always worth celebrating.<\/p>\n Meet Peggy, Tonja and Brea<\/strong><\/p>\n Peggy Affolter, her daughter, Tonja Lindbo, and granddaughter, Brea Lindbo, are three generations of a Foresters family that share our organisation\u2019s belief in volunteering and supporting communities.<\/p>\n It all started with Peggy\u2019s parents back in 1956. Her mother and father joined Foresters after being introduced to the organisation through friends and attending multiple social events.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember being eight years old and standing on my dad\u2019s feet and dancing,\u201d said Peggy when she spoke about those early social events. \u201cMy dad wanted to ensure our family was well protected,\u201d she added. After Peggy\u2019s father passed away, one of the first people to help her mother was a Foresters agent. \u201cJust knowing that we had people at Foresters who really cared only locked me more into Foresters.\u201d<\/p>\n Sharing the passion for giving back<\/strong><\/p>\n After getting married and moving to Eugene, Oregon, Peggy\u2019s husband, Kent, got more involved in their local Branch. After having Tonja, Peggy also started going to meetings of the Branch and, eventually, brought Tonja herself as she got older. The family legacy continued with Tonja\u2019s daughter, Brea, who also joined Foresters as a member. Today, Peggy is the President of her local Branch, Tonja serves on the Regional Council and Brea is a Branch Councillor.<\/p>\n This Foresters family has a history of helping their communities. Each generation has hosted or participated in several volunteer activities to support great causes. \u201cI\u2019ve been going to events since I was born, so it\u2019s always been a part of my life,\u201d said Brea.<\/p>\n Brea\u2019s mother, Tonja, added, \u201cForesters and the people around us were like a second family. Every month was a different community event with other Foresters families.\u201d<\/p>\n