Aldergrove Elks celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday, June 24 with free family activities, plus a dinner and dance.
The day began with food trucks and a car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a Tragically Hip cover band performance at 7 p.m.
Proceeds from the day supported new Elks member Jodi Mangat鈥檚 initiative to help families whose children are being treated for childhood cancer.
Henry (Ray) Farness, exalted ruler of Aldergrove Elks, said it is an honour to a part of the organization.
鈥淪o many people have built this organization over the last 100 years. They did sales, dances, everything to raise money which always goes to charity,鈥� he said.
The name of Elks stands for equality, love, kindness, and service.
鈥淪ervice is a big part in our group to serve the community, that鈥檚 what we do and why I鈥檓 proud to be an Elk,鈥� Farness said.
Jasmine Burnet, esquire and publicity director for the Elks, said 100 years of service is an important part of Elks鈥� legacy of kindness in Aldergrove.
The biggest challenge of late has been recruiting new members of different generations and diverse backgrounds, observed Farness, adding that the group is a great volunteer opportunity to give back.
鈥淲e do whatever we can to support the community,鈥� he said.
The celebration was held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Aldergrove, at 26607 Fraser Hwy.
As part of the upcoming Canada Day celebration at Aldergrove Athletic Park, the Elks will have its own table with a free selfie-booth.
The Aldergrove Elks Lodge #66 was instituted on June 30, 1923, when provincial deputy grand exalted ruler Al Davis presided over 37 members who received the obligation. Sam Campbell served as Aldergrove Elks鈥� first exalted ruler.
The original meeting was held in the former Hamre Hall, and two years later the lodge had built its own hall 鈥� which opened on Nov. 3, 1925 at the corner of Fraser Highway and 273rd Street.
That hall was replaced with a modern concrete block building in the early 1970s. The Elks sold that property a few years ago and conducted meetings at the Aldergrove legion hall.
Since its inception the Elks has provided Christmas cheer hampers to the needy, as well as funding for Elks children鈥檚 charities and their Elks Children鈥檚 Camps such as Camp Elkgrove at Aldergrove Regional Park.
READ ALSO: Aldergrove Canada Day parade cancelled this year
IN OTHER NEWS: 91原创 farmers market has new vendors every Wednesday
Have a story tip? Email: kyler.emerson@langleyadvancetimes.com
Like us on and follow us on .
