Powell River area residents might be familiar with Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club, or other prominent community groups, but there is another organization they may not have heard of that is working hard to make a difference in town.
Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization first formed in the mid-1800s in the United States by Rob Morris. It is reputed to be the largest order of its kind in the world, with approximately 10,000 chapters and 500,000 members worldwide. Its goal is to help needy people in the community.
Here in Powell River, the local chapter is very active and exceedingly busy, according to members.
“Our main purpose is fundraising for various cancer-related activities,” said Sharon Cairns, conductress of the Powell River chapter. “Our basic aim and purpose is to help the cancer society.”
Many other local and provincial charities have benefited from the efforts of this group as well. Order of the Eastern Star has donated to charities as varied as Honour House Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, BC and Alberta Guide Dogs, and Grace House here in Powell River, among many others.
“We give a lot of money to charity,” said treasurer Don Cairns. “Funds have been raised for Powell River oncology, cancer research and dressings for patients, among other cancer-related needs.”
Brooks Secondary School has also received funds from Eastern Star for scholarships.
Each year a cause is chosen by the head of the provincial grand chapter. This year, autism and Alzheimer’s disease were selected.
What sets the order apart from other charities is that, as part of fundraising activities, it collects stamps and intact postcards.
“We have raised almost three quarters of a million dollars through the collection of stamps,” said Sharon.
Stamps are collected, sorted, then sold to buyers, and the club is always looking for more. Secretary Pat Krell is a passionate proponent of collecting.
“That’s my baby. We have the box at the hospital for stamps, so people can donate,” said Krell. “The more I can get the better.”
The organization also holds annual Christmas bazaars with baking, crafts and soup to raise money. Its last bazaar, held last month, was quite successful, according to members.
The group meets on the second Monday of each month in the Lodge Room at Dwight Hall. To be eligible to join, one must be a Mason in good standing or related to one.
There are presently 27 members in Powell River.
The chapter is busy in other ways, too. Sometimes it is just dropping off some cupcakes to local firefighters, said Sharon.
“Not necessarily everything we do is fundraising,” she added. “It is a recognition and a thank you for what they do.”
For more information on Order of the Eastern Star, to join or to find out how to help, contact Krell at pwkrell1@telus.net.
