The Altona Elks’ second annual pig roast was a roaring success, allowing the service club to present South Central Cancer Resource with a sizeable cheque last week.
The June 21 fundraising dinner featured food from The Hogman, music by The Pylons, and a silent auction chock-full of prizes.
Upwards of 180 people came out to enjoy the evening, and their support means the Elks were able to hand over a donation of $9,284 to SCCR. Another $4,450 came in through direct donations to SCCR the night of the event
In accepting the cheque, SCCR outreach coordinator Andrea Smith said they are deeply grateful for the Elks for their generous support of families facing cancer.
“You guys are amazing,” she told the group, extending those kudos to everyone who participated to make the dinner such a success.
The money will be used to support things like SCCR’s transportation program, which provides rides and financial assistance to cancer patients navigating frequent trips to Winnipeg for treatments.
“In 2024 alone, SCCR spent just over $175,000 transporting cancer clients and their families,” Smith shared.
But that is by no means the only way the agency helps people navigating a cancer diagnosis.
“Our wig and head covering room is available to clients at no cost,” Smith continued. “And we provide semi-annual skin screen clinics, we assist with the cost and accessibility of radon testing, help breast cancer patients with the cost of lymphedema and garments—these are just some of the ways that we can help.”
Support from organizations like the Elks is absolutely vital to SCCR, Smith stressed, noting they receive no governmental funding—everything they do, they do because of community donations.
“Their commitment helps us continue offering the services and support our clients rely on.”
For their part, the Elks are certainly happy to help.
Member Guy Mullen said you could feel the support radiating from everyone who attended that night.
“In the air was love and kindness and fun,” he said. “And it was absolutely fabulous.
“So many people and businesses donated prizes to be raffled off—everyone was eager to help cancer patients in our area,” Mullen said. “And that’s the beauty of it—the money stays in our area to help local people.”
Mullen stressed this event is a joint effort between the Elks, The Pylons, and “Hogman” Marlin Fehr, who came up with the idea for a fundraising supper in support of cancer services a few years ago.
“We were talking about this just because of everybody’s past experiences with cancer—everyone has a friend or family member who’s been affected,” Fehr noted.
They’re already looking at how to make next year’s supper bigger and better.
“We’re thinking we’ll have to go to a larger venue,” Mullen said.
“A huge thank-you to everyone that supported us—we hope to see them all next year.”
