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 Lions Club International.

In Grande Prairie, there are two Lions Clubs: the Grande Prairie Lions Club, which received its charter from Lions Clubs International in 1957; and the Grande Prairie Trumpeter Lions Club, which received its charter in 1992 after its beginnings as the Grande Prairie Trumpeter Lioness Club in the early 1980s.  The Grande Prairie Breakfast Lions Club and the Grande Prairie Downtown Noon Lions Club no longer exist. 

Additionally in the Peace Country, there are Lions Clubs in Wembley & District, Rycroft & District, Beaverlodge, Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Fairview, Fox Creek, High Prairie, Hudson's Hope, Peace River, and Tumbler Ridge.
 
Grande Prairie's two clubs have approximately 50 members, and each have their own projects, which include 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. Grande Prairie Lions Club website.

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. Kin Club of Grande Prairie website.

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. Knights of Columbus website.

Grande Prairie Shrine Club

The Shrine Club began in 1962 and 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. Al Shamal Shriners website.

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.
QE2 Hospital Foundation website