It was a huge collaborative effort last Saturday as the Altona Elks hosted a pig roast to support South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR).
The Altona Curling Club packed a crowd ready to support a worthy cause, feast on roast pork provided by The Hogman, and enjoy tunes from The Pylons. The evening also included a silent auction and a raffle.
Marlin Fehr, a.k.a. The Hogman, has been hosting pig roasts for about nine years.
“I do it just for fun. But this year it was also to support friends and family members and others who have been affected by cancer. I talked to the Elks and the band, and they were totally on board. They all ran with the idea.”
Fehr purchases hogs from local producers, and he does the roasting himself.
“It takes 12 to 18 hours to cook the pig, depending on its size. Me and a friend of mine made a cooker, and that’s what I’ve been using for the last two or three years. Before that, I would borrow a cooker.”
It took about three months to plan the event, which saw hundreds come out to take part.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic and I think it’s a wonderful cause,” says Elks member Michelle Sawatzky. “Everyone I know has had cancer touch their family life in some way, shape or form, and there’s no better cause.
“It touches everybody, and people don’t realize how expensive cancer or any other medical issue can be until you have to be buying all kinds of things.”
SCCR board member Angela Braun agrees.
“It’s especially expensive for rural people because we have to get ourselves from here to Winnipeg, sometimes for a month straight every day. There are so many small things you just don’t think about. South Central Resource fills those gaps, and there’s not a lot of red tape to get the help you need. It’s already such a difficult journey, so they can help soften the blow. People have been so supportive.”
Braun recalls friend and fellow SCCR board member Gail Schimonek, who passed away from cancer just last month.
“I think a lot of the people here remember her, and all the work she did for this organization. What a dynamo and what an inspiration she was. She was still helping with this year’s fashion show right until she was hospitalized. She didn’t let cancer take over her life, and her energy and her positivity left a legacy we will never forget. She taught us that you have to live your best life every day.”
While the final tally has yet to be announced, Elks member Guy Mullen said there wasn’t a single attendee who wasn’t impacted by the event in some way.
“Cancer is everywhere. And when you hear about the amazing things Cancer Resource does to support people, with no government funding at all, it brings tears to your eyes. Everyone was amazed.”
He adds that he is grateful for all the “Without the support of the businesses in town, the chamber of commerce, the MEC, this wouldn’t be possible. The Pylons donated their time and their talent. The Hogman donated the hog and his time—30 hours to cook this thing, all night long. It was just wonderful.
“Everywhere we turned, people were kind and loving. And does cancer touch every family? Pretty much.”
