GRANDE PRAIRIE - SERVICE CLUBS

There are a number of local Service Clubs that are made up of volunteers that raise money for people in need and special projects that help others in Grande Prairie and area.

The Grande Prairie Elks

The Grande Prairie Elks Lodge #285. Their mandate is to help the disadvantaged who are less fortunate than others. They raise funds by holding bingos, as well as operate the bar at the Elks Hall for many functions. The Hall is located at 10806-106 Street, Grande Prairie. (780) 538-3131. The Grande Prairie Elks assist many groups including the 3rd GP Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, Junior Curling, Odyssey House, Wapiti Dorm, Big sisters, Big Brothers, Camp Tamarack, Pregnant Teen Program, PACE, Library, Music Festival, Museum and many others.

Grande Prairie Royal Purple # 107

This group has been providing service in the area since 1945 and has been raising funds with bingos, craft sales, bake sales, walk-a-thons and casinos. Money raised helps local organizations, youth, the hospital, the health unit, schools and individuals. The Royal Purple also collect beverage can tabs and then sell them. Since 1999, the revenue has been used to purchase equipment for rural hospitals. Hospitals in Beaverlodge, Fairview, High Prairie, Spirit River and Valleyview have benefited from the project.

The Grande Prairie Lions Club

The Grande Prairie Lions Club has 4 separate clubs. The Grande Prairie Lions Club was the first to form in 1957, while the Swan City Breakfast Lions Club started in 1980. The Trumpeter Lions Club began in 1992 and the most recent was the Grande Prairie Downtown Noon Lions Club. In Grande Prairie there are approximately 80 members involved in the 4 clubs and each have their own projects that raise money by hosting bingos and casinos. The Grande Prairie Lions Club was a key partner in the building of the Lions Learning Centre at 9625-Prairie Road, Grande Prairie. It opened in February 2003. The Centre houses the Outreach School (Bridge Network) that helps many students a year compete their graduation. The Centre provides programs for pre school children, pregnant and parenting teens and adults. Some other projects that the Lions Club have been involved with, are the Lions Park on 100 Street, the Pioneer Cemetery on Resources Road, the Sports Field at the Composite High School, Diabetes Research and Awareness, Dog Guides for the Visually Impaired plus many others. For more information (780) 538-4442.

The Kin Club The Kin Club of Grande Prairie is made up of the Kinsmen and the Kinettes. Began in Grande Prairie in 1942 and nationally supports Cystic Fibrosis research. The organization has raised money locally for: the Memorial Arena, Bear Creek Outdoor Swimming Pool, RecPlex (Leisure Centre), the Handicap Society, GP Minor Ball Association, Pioneer Museum. Other recipients include the QEII Festival of Trees and Pediatric Ward, Army Cadets, M.S. Society, Terry Fox Run, CNIB, Books for Tots, and the Salvation Army. Kinsmen and Kinettes spend many hours raising money through bingos, casinos, and annual variety show plus other functions. (780) 532-6784.

The Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Fraternal Organization that helps Catholic families and single parent families. Known as the right arm of the Church because of the work to assist and promote Catholic Church Functions. This club was formed in 1948 and today has about 150 members that meet once a month. The Knights of Columbus donate to the Wapiti Lodge, Odyssey House, sponsor funding for Voice for Life, help provide hockey equipment for youngster who can't afford to buy their own, annually donate 3 scholarships for seniors. The club has built a picnic shelter at Saskatoon Lake and has pledged $100,000 for a new Catholic Church in Grande Prairie. Funds are raised by pancake breakfasts, bingos and dinner theatres. (780) 532-6784.

Grande Prairie Shrine Club

The Shrine Club raises money for many needy projects (780) 538-1234. The Masonic Lodge #105 is a fraternal organization associated with and conducting fundraisers with the Shriners. The Daughters of the Nile, is an organization associated with the Shrine Club. (780) 538-1234.

Queen Elizabeth II Hospital Auxiliary

This organization of men and women raise funds for the comfort and care of patients of Mackenzie Place (QEII Hospital). Operate the Gift Shop at the Hospital and help support the Dream Home and the Mrs. Klaus" Market Place at the Festival of Trees.

2008 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans Unit #389

Focusing on assisting veterans and youth groups, started in December 1981. The Ladies Auxiliary started in 1982. In total there are approximately 200-250 members who raise money through bingos, casinos, selling pull tickets, bake sales, garage sales, etc. The Ladies Auxiliary have about 30 members and give to the Burn Society, Catholic Leagues and others. The Veterans Unit #389 give to Cadettes, Scouts, Toys for Tots, Canadian Blood Services (use of hall), Friendship Centre and others. The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Unit #389, took over the Kinsmen Hall at 10117-93 Street Grande Prairie, in 1988 and now offers banquet and meeting room rentals with lounge club room. New members are welcome.(780) 532-2623.

ACT/UCT

GP Associated Canadian Travellers / United Commercial Travellers organization has been actively involved in community projects since 1953. Amalgamated with the United Commercial Travellers in 1992. Funds going to the Salvation Army, PARDS, RCMP Victims Assistance Program, Big Brothers & Sisters, etc. Funds are raised by birch wood sales, the Annual Variety Show, Grey Cup ticket sales, monthly bingos and advertising in their Roster. Meetings are held on the 1st Friday of each month. The ACT Community Hall at 9324-1108 Avenue is used by various community groups and associations at no charge. (780) 539-0930.

ACT/UCT Women Auxiliary

Meetings are the 1st Thursday of each month at 9324-108 Avenue. This group raises funds by hosting bingos and casinos. They are able to assist PARDS, Camp Tamarack, GRPC bursary, Odyssey House, Rainbow Society, Salvation Army, RCMP Victims Assistance, QEII Hospital, Pregnant Teen Program, Reading Network, PACE, Kids with Cancer, M.S. Society, GP Wapiti Dorm, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, etc.

Volunteer Service Bureau

Provides information on many volunteer groups and clubs (over 80) in Grande Prairie. Located in Centre 2000. (780) 538-2727.

Volunteer Services Bureau