This year marks a significant milestone for Royal Purple of Canada, and for Benalto Lodge #233 in particular.
The fraternal volunteer organization, which acts as an auxiliary to Elks of Canada, is celebrating its 100th year in Canada, and its 55th year in Benalto.
While it faces an uncertain future, with the possibility of organizational changes on the horizon, its mandate of helping children in need and serving the community will remain unchanged, according to Honoured Royal Lady Carol Austin of the Benalto group.
“It’s 24-7, whenever we hear of a need,” she said.
Helping children with medical needs is a major part of what the Royal Purple does. Lodges can apply for funding to help cover children’s surgeries, treatments and other medical expenses.
“We can apply to our Purple Cross Fund, and then we put the request in for as much financial assistance as we can get for them to help them,” said Austin. “Depending on how much money is in the fund and is available, we would assist as best we could to see that that child got the medical care.”
At a convention in Airdrie later this year, members will vote on the direction they’d like to see the organization head in the future.
“Last year, the Elks stated that they wished to disband the fact that we are an auxiliary to them,” said Austin. “The Lions Club, they don’t have Lionesses any more, they joined together and made one organization.
“The Kinsmen did the same thing — the Kinettes basically folded and anybody who wanted to stay active became a Kinsperson.
“Now they’re looking at that kind of a relationship there.”
Austin feels there are three options regarding the proposed changes: become part of the Elks association; remain Royal Purple, but independent of the Elks; or quit.
“It’s in limbo right now as to what direction Royal Purple will be going, but we’ve had 100 years, and now we’re having to look at a new path,” she said. “The main structure still is charity, helping your community, and helping the children.
“I can’t see that ever changing.”
Supreme Honoured Royal Lady Marg Brown attended a Benalto meeting Apr. 9, and emphasized that all members will have a say in the matter when they cast their votes.
Until then, however, the ladies that make up the Benalto lodge will continue to carry out their work in the community as normal.
Throughout the years, some of that work has included catering at a wide variety of events, putting medical equipment into hospitals, assisting with local school lunch programs, and supporting area Christmas bureaus and food banks.
They’ve also held fundraisers on an as-needed basis, helping families in times of need.
With 15 members — five of which are active — the Benalto lodge is always looking for more people to join, according to Austin.
More information is available by contacting her at 403-347-3801.
Meetings take place at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at Benalto Leisure Centre.