Port Hope Odd Fellows and Rebekahs give back in a big way

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Durham Memorial Temple Oddfellows Lodge #78 Port Hope and Rebekahs #131 members present to share the proceeds of the sale of the Durham Memorial Temple to a number of good causes included (from left) Carl Nelson, Keitha Lagrois, Dave McBride, Glynda Bannister, Ed Lake and Murray Archer.

By Cecilia Nasmith

Representatives of several community agencies showed up for a special Dec. 3 meeting to receive a special gifts.

The occasion was the sharing of proceeds from the sale of the Durham Memorial Temple by Oddfellows Lodge #78 and Rebekahs Lodge #131, as both organizations amalgamate with the local association and the board of directors of both voted to donate the money back into the community.

This amounts to a $155,000 gift shared among a number of organizations, including Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, Northumberland Hospice Care Centre (Ed's House), Food 4 All Northumberland, the Salvation Army, the Survivor Thrivers breast-cancer group, Camp Bucko, Transition House, the Huntington's Society, the IOOF Seniors' Home, Camp Trillium, Oddfellows and Rebekahs of Orono, Cobourg Oddfellows Lodge, Ganaraska Duke of Kent Lodge, Cobourg Memorial Temple and the McElroy family.

“The community helped to build us, so we saw it necessary to help support the community,” Durham Memorial Temple Oddfellows Lodge #78 Port Hope secretary Carl Nelson said in the group's press release.

The Oddfellows and Rebekahs are dedicated to serving the community through their humanitarian service program, which dispenses medical supplies and mobility aids to community members in need of them.

As well, the organization is always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining (or are in need of support), please call 905-372-6692.

Cobourg Salvation Army Community and Family Services Director Edward Nkyi (centre) was delighted to receive a donation from the Durham Memorial Temple Oddfellows Lodge #78 Port Hope and Rebekahs #131 members (from left) Carl Nelson, Dave Bannister, Ed Lake and Glynda Bannister.

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre executive director Nancy Johnston (centre) was delighted to receive a $10,000 donation from the Durham Memorial Temple Oddfellows Lodge #78 Port Hope and Rebekahs #131 members (from left) Carl Nelson, Dave Bannister, Ed Lake and Glynda Bannister.

Lynda Kay of the Northumberland Hospice Care Centre (centre) was delighted to receive a $10,000 donation for the project (also known as Ed's House) from the Durham Memorial Temple Oddfellows Lodge #78 Port Hope and Rebekahs #131 members (from left) Carl Nelson, Dave Bannister, Ed Lake and Glynda Bannister.

Food 4 All Warehouse manager Rob O'Neill (centre) was delighted to receive a donation from the Durham Memorial Temple Oddfellows Lodge #78 Port Hope and Rebekahs #131 members (from left) Carl Nelson, Dave Bannister, Ed Lake and Glynda Bannister.