The Altona Elks are inviting residents of Altona and the surrounding area to enjoy a hot dog, meet local volunteers, and learn more about the organization’s work during a Community BBQ this Saturday, May 30, in Altona Park.
The drop-in event runs from 4-7 p.m. at Shelter #2 and is open to everyone. While the barbecue is free, donations are encouraged, with proceeds supporting the Winnipeg-based Central Speech and Hearing Clinic, an organization that helps children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing learn to listen, hear, and speak.
For Altona Elks member Rachel Friesen, the event is about more than fundraising.
“We felt like people don’t know what we do,” she said. “They hear about the Elks and they just don’t know what we’re about. We wanted to reach out to the community and give them a chance to come and meet us and find out what we’re doing.”
Friesen explained that supporting children, particularly those with medical needs, is at the heart of the Elks’ mission. In Manitoba, the organization’s primary charitable focus is supporting speech and hearing services through the Central Speech and Hearing Clinic.
“Anybody in southern Manitoba that has need for that, that’s where they’re going,” she said. “For us, it’s a big deal.”
The local lodge also quietly supports families and community organizations throughout the region. While many of those efforts remain private to protect the dignity of those receiving assistance, Friesen shared that the Elks regularly help children and families facing a variety of challenges.
“People have no idea,” she said. “We want to help people, but we also want people to be helped with dignity.”
The event will also provide an opportunity for residents to learn about volunteer opportunities and membership with the organization.
“We need volunteers,” said Altona Elks president Lloyd Schroeder. “We need people to sign up for the Elks and come help us out. It’s a good time. We have lots of fun.”
Families attending the barbecue can also look forward to a visit from Charlie the Elk, the organization’s mascot, who will be available for photos beginning around 5 p.m. Charlie sports both a hearing aid and a cochlear implant, helping promote awareness about hearing loss in a fun and approachable way.
The event has also received strong local support. Friesen noted that Sun Valley Co-op donated approximately half of the food required for the barbecue, helping reduce costs and ensuring more money raised can be directed toward speech and hearing services.
Organizers are encouraging residents to stop by, enjoy a meal, and learn more about an organization that has quietly supported communities across the region for decades.
“I hate to repeat myself constantly,” said Schroeder, “but we help children in need. Is there a better cause? I don’t think so.”
