Oliver Elks president Ron Ethier and past-president Lilly Zekanovic pour over the history books as they celebrate the club’s 80th anniversary in Oliver. The order began bringing its goodness to the community in 1936, under its first president, Brother G.A. Stuart.
Photo by Lyonel Doherty
Not too many community organizations can say they’ve lasted 80 years. But the Oliver Elks has done just that.
The group celebrated eight decades of service to the community last weekend by hosting a number of events and activities.
“The Elks is your community family,” said new president Ron Ethier, noting the group has been doing good things in Oliver since 1936, when Brother G.A. Stuart was the first president. “Not many lodges survive 80 years; it’s something to be proud of,” Ethier said.
The president noted that the club does so many things for the community, such as send handicapped youth to camp, support children with cancer, help the Oliver Ambassadors, and give out bursaries.
He noted the proceeds from their Sunday morning breakfasts go to help local youth.
“It brings out a lot of goodness in the community. The important part is supporting the community, not the corporations that take your money.”
Past-president Lilly Zekanovic said she joined the Elks because she simply wanted to help out, and they needed a secretary.
“It’s like an addiction. Once you start helping you have to keep going. It’s a good addiction to have,” she said.
Unfortunately, the Elks doesn’t have very many active members, Zekanovic pointed out.
The order has approximately 80 members, but only about 15 are active. She noted that if every member donated one day of their time every three months, nobody would get tired of helping.
