By Kevin J Sabo For the Advance
The Halkirk Elks hosted their annual oyster-fry and white-elephant sale fundraiser on Oct 20.
The Elks host fundraisers several times a year and most of the funds raised stays in the area, though a portion does go to the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, which is governed by the national organization.
“We had 200 plus people,” said John De Mos, the Secretary of the Halkirk Elks. “We were close to a sell-out. “
For the event, 75 quarts of oysters were purchased through a wholesaler in Calgary and flown in the day before the event from a producer in Fanny Bay, B.C.
“We try to get the highest quality, and freshest seafood we can for these events,” said De Mos.
Any of the seafood that is not used for the evening is then auctioned off to the guests for charity. With some quart containers selling for $75 or more.
The Halkirk Elks uses the funds raised to support the Alliance Ski-Hill, the local Halkirk 4-h program, local FCSS, and the upkeep of the Halkirk community hall in addition to other donations around the region.
Halkirk typically hosts two-seafood meals a year, with the oyster fry in the fall, and a seafood and comedy night in the winter.
Upcoming events being hosted by the 27-member Elks club include the Nov. 4 fall-supper at the Halkirk community hall, “Breakie with Santa” on Dec. 2, and the Seafood and Comedy night currently scheduled for Feb. 9, 2019.
