It has been nearly 100 years since the Loyal Order of the Moose #1051 started its service in Prince Rupert, helping out with a wide variety of areas over the last century.
However, the tables have turned and now the non-profit organization is in need of assistance from the community it’s served for so long.
“The hard thing is that we’ve always done our own fundraising internally, so it’s really hard to reach out to the community and ask for help,” said Dawn Knapton, who is one of the remaining Women of the Moose members.
The club’s facility, the Moose Lodge, has a roof that has been leaking for quite some time causing issues. There are currently a large number of buckets trying to capture the leaking water. However the leaks are causing damages inside the building to the walls and flooring.
“We’re trying to keep it as dry as possible, but it’s getting to the point where it’s becoming a crisis,” said Knapton.
The Loyal Order of the Moose #1051 have been fundraising for a new roof for around a decade now, currently being shy thousands of dollars. The two largest contributors towards the new roof so far have been Ridley Terminals Inc. and Northern Savings Credit Union, who both donated $5,000 apiece. Other donators include Maher Terminals, and individual donations. However, even with all these donations the club has received they are still short of the $35,000 needed to replace the old roof.
The Loyal Order of the Moose #1051 services have been widespread in the community, with the club being responsible for the creation and upkeep of Moose Tot Park located on McBride Street, providing four scholarships to graduating students in the community each year, supporting a number of local sports teams in past years and helping out locals who are in need of assistance to travel for medical reasons. When the Elizabeth Apartments were on fire in 2004 the club provided firefighters with refreshments and food, as well as helping victims by purchasing items not covered by insurance such as furniture, dishes, dentures, medication and various other items, and countless other helping efforts.
“All the money we get from the lodge we give back to the community,” said Gerald Law.“
Whenever anyone needs something, we’re there.”
Anyone interested in donating money towards the new roof, or anyone wishing to join is encouraged to come down to the Moose Lodge on Thursday after 6:30 p.m. or call 250-624-4104.