Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
SUBMITTED Enlarge Image
Members of Brandon Elks Lodge No. 14 gather with Karen Chrest, A Sense of Home fundraising co-ordinator, second from left, at the future site of the Murray House cancer treatment residence on Frederick Street.
A $50,000 donation from the Brandon Elks has pushed the A Sense of Home residence building campaign past the $2-million mark.
It’s the largest donation ever made by the Brandon Elks Lodge No. 14 in its 85-year history.
"We wanted to give back to the community that has supported us for many years," said Roy Ewasiuk, Exalted Ruler with Brandon Elks Lodge No. 14.
The Murray House cancer treatment residence will be built at 521 Frederick St., which is in close proximity to both the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre and the Brandon Regional Health Centre.
It will serve patients in rural Manitoba as they travel to Brandon for care.
Ewasiuk said it’s a way to honour past and present Elks, while making a lasting contribution in the community.
"If and when the Elks Lodge is no longer in Brandon, we just wanted to make sure that we were still known," said Ewasiuk, who has been an Elks member for the past 45 years.
When he joined in 1967, there were about 100 members. Now there are just 12.
"The Elks want to be remembered, and we’re not going to be here forever. At least we’ll have something that the citizens and the community would know that we’re a part of the community."
Ewasiuk said Murray House is a project that also hits very close to home.
"I’ve had cancer, my mother had cancer and my dad died of cancer," Ewasiuk said.
"Cancer doesn’t rest from anybody … I see how bad cancer can be and how tired some people can be from driving back and forth. And with this home in Brandon, it will be quite a thing. It would help ease their pain, I would think."
Karen Chrest, A Sense of Home fundraising co-ordinator, said campaign organizers are thrilled to be past the $2-million milestone.
"It’s really an honour that they have chosen this project," Chrest said.
"I keep thinking that for an organization with just 12 members, to make such a significant contribution is pretty extraordinary."
The fundraising goal for Murray House is $2.5 million. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with a completion goal of summer 2013.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition May 8, 2012
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
A $50,000 donation from the Brandon Elks has pushed the A Sense of Home residence building campaign past the $2-million mark.
It’s the largest donation ever made by the Brandon Elks Lodge No. 14 in its 85-year history.
Already subscribed? Login to view full article.
Not yet a subscriber? Click Here to Signup
A $50,000 donation from the Brandon Elks has pushed the A Sense of Home residence building campaign past the $2-million mark.
It’s the largest donation ever made by the Brandon Elks Lodge No. 14 in its 85-year history.
A subscription to the Brandon Sun Newspaper is required to view this article. Please update your user information if you are already a newspaper subscriber.
Most Popular
Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments
You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.