Pioneer Lodge Auxillary has been recognized by Alberta after a long tenure of helping seniors. The Auxillary is one of ten organizations nominated for the 2018 Minister’s Senior Service Award.
The Auxiliary is a volunteer-based program that has helped raise money for the Pioneer Lodge for the better part of fifty years. They formed in the mid-1960s and mainly consisted of family members of the residents.
Activity Coordinator Karen Stenager says the Auxillary’s nomination is well deserved. The non-profit raises funds for the lodge through markets including Bake Sales and Crafts.
“A lot of the things we’re able to do at Pioneer Lodge would not be possible without the Pioneer Lodge Auxillary.”
The Auxillary holds a small market called the shoppers’ cart, which is stocked with food for the 180 residents who can’t get out and shop. Stenger adds that they raise $4,000 a year which also goes to other senior programs in the community.
“They will give money to the handyman society, they’ve given money to the hospital foundation.”
An award ceremony was held Wednesday in Edmonton where the volunteers accepted the service award. They will also be celebrated in the fall at Government House in Edmonton.
“It’s just long overdue recognition. A lot of these ladies are of the age to live in Pioneer Lodge, they’re getting up there in years. They’ve been doing it since they had family members in here in the seventies and eighties and have just stuck with it.”