ST. PAUL – For over 30 years, the St. Paul Elks have left their mark in the region as supporters of youth in the community. Since the group’s inception in 1989, the Elks have donated about $500,000 to various charities, health facilities, sponsorships, and programs that benefit youth.
Earlier this year, the Elks made the tough decision to sell the building they owned and operated for many years, due to increased operating costs. The hall, located just one block off main street in St. Paul, helped the group make its presence known in the community.
It served as a social place for the community, for occasions like birthday parties or anniversaries. “We didn’t charge a lot because we’re for the community,” said Jim Turton, president of the Elks.
And then the pandemic hit, leading to fiscal challenges for the group - in addition to a dwindling and aging membership. “We’ve had four or five [members] in the last year pass away.”
In the past, the Elks averaged 40 to 50 members. As of 2023, they have less than 15 members.
“That’s how time have changed.”
After selling the hall, many people believe that “we’re not here anymore,” said Turton. But that is not the case. The Elks continue to operate and have moved to the St. Paul Royal Canadian Legion’s building. He’s especially grateful to the Legion for allowing the Elks to do so, even as far as suggesting that they do not pay rent. Turton said both groups help each other out.
But, “Somehow, we got to get it out there that we’re still alive or kicking, and we’re back to normal,” said Turton.
For example, the Elks are currently running their 55th annual raffle for tickets to the Grey Cup to raise funds. They raise around $1,000 each year from the raffle. Most of the group’s funding comes from members working casinos in Fort McMurray, as well as the return of investment from the sold hall.
All money raised goes back to the community, Turton said, explaining they have organizations they donate to every year, like the hospital. But they also help people or other groups asking for donations.
Turton would like to see more people join the organization, so they could do more projects again - like they did in the past.
“A lot of people look at us, as an organization of old people... and yeah, we’re all older people. We’re all aging, and we used to have lots of young people, but they’ve gotten old,” he said, explaining this can be a deterrent, especially for younger people.
But now, “We need new guards... we need new blood... to help us out to continue this.”
So, the Elks are recruiting. The minimum age to join is 16 years old. Membership costs $60 annually, and every time a member volunteers, the cost of membership goes down. “It’s just an incentive,” said Turton. And the organization is open to working around members’ schedules. They don’t have to come to every meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., but they are encouraged to do so.
Funds collected over the years
Funds collected and donated by the Elks over the years include $237,000 to the St. Paul and District Hospital Foundation, $37,500 to the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, $27,700 to the Alberta Elks Foundation, $27,000 to the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research, $21,000 in scholarships, among others, according to financial documents.
Their philanthropic efforts have also helped pave the path for many projects benefiting the community today.
Major projects the group contributed to include $51,600 to the Splash Park in 2013, $45,000 for the Heliport at the hospital back in 2004, $25,600 to the Polaris Arena (CAP Arena) Elevator in 1991, $16,800 to the Elks Park and Playgrounds in 1989, $11,300 to the Walking Trail Staging Area in 2006, and $10,000 for the Glen Avon School Playground in 2009, according to the same financial document.
In total, the Elks donated $160,500 for these six projects alone.
These fiscal donations do not include the hours of volunteering efforts the group has contributed to in the past.
Turton recognizes the Elks are not the only non-profit volunteer group in town experiencing challenges with membership. So, he encourages young people to join any non-profit organization aiming to better their communities. “You don’t have to join ours. But join something.”
For inquiries, the Elks can be reached at: 780-646-2148
