Phyllis Bucknell
I joined the Elks in 2007 and have had many personally rewarding experiences. I would like to tell you about our Lodge, Clearwater Elks #499.
Elks of Canada was founded on Sept. 26, 1912 in Vancouver. It is the largest fraternal organization in Canada, with over 300 lodges and over 16,500 members. Membership consists of both men and women.
What do the Elks stand for?
• E for Equality
• L for Love
• K for Kindness and
• S for service
Our Mission Statement is to be a national, fraternal and charitable organization promoting and supporting community needs through volunteer efforts of local lodges.
Our Vision is to be the most progressive family focused organization in Canada, meeting community and member needs and expectations.
Our Motto is promoting and supporting community needs.
What does #499 refer to? The Clearwater Lodge was the 499th Elks Lodge to be instituted in Canada.
Clearwater's Lodge was in fact instituted and its first officers installed in the gymnasium of Clearwater Secondary School on Sunday, Oct. 17, 1965.
Laverne Burnell was the first Exalted Ruler. Laverne has since passed on but his memory lives on. Bob Pearce is Clearwater's only charter member left. The Royal Purple, the ladies group, was installed November, 1965.
Since then the lodge has been very active in the community supporting local charities as well as the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children and the Children's Camp Society of B.C.
In June, 1968 the lodge established a scholarship for a student continuing in technical or trade education, which is still presented annually.
On Jan. 4, 1967 the lodge purchased a 3 1/2 acre lot at the No 57 Old Highway 5. The members built the existing hall, which was completed in June 28, 1969.
At present the Lodge does fundraising in the community, supporting many projects. This is done through Bingo's, our famous pancake breakfasts (which run from May to late September), hall rentals and bazaars.
Projects we have donated to are: Clearwater Food Bank, Clearwater Secondary School, North Thompson Relief Fund, Terry Fox Run BC, BC Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, Elks Kids Camp, Arthritis Society, Clearwater Breast Friends, Minor Hockey, Minor Baseball, Blackpool Hall, Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund, Upper Clearwater Hall Society, Evergreen Acres Society, as well as offering helping hands to those who need help.
A new program that we are proud of is Best Christmas Ever. A needy family is helped during the Christmas season. If you know of a family in need please contact Phyllis at 250-674-3535. This project has been going for five years. Don't forget to phone me.
We donate approximately $8,000 per year to the community.
We are always looking for new members to help us and support the community in which we live. New ideas and people are always welcome!
To contact the Elks, call Doreen Elliot – 250-674-3486 or Phyllis Bucknell – 250-674-3535.
Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy winter. We will see you in the spring at our pancake breakfasts.
We are down to a handful of dedicated members who need help badly. So I ask you to consider joining us to bring new ideas and new life to the Lodge. We are old but we can learn new tricks. I am very proud to be a member of Clearwater Elks #499.