Small Royal Purple group makes a significant impact

By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

In the few years since the Kindersley Royal Purple has been operating as a lodge in Kindersley, they have donated $8900 locally. But that’s not all.

The Saskatchewan Royal Purple is in partnership with the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association (SBIA). It has raised $100,000.00 in five years for that particular cause. The Kindersley group alone has donated $3500 to SBIA. The money is used for programs to help survivors and their families.

Darlene May, president of the Kindersley Royal Purple said, “Our mission is to ensure our future, by providing fun-loving, positive leadership and support to our members and partners. And our vision is to have Saskatchewan communities full of energized Royal Purple volunteers!”

Members have fun planning and participating in upcoming functions and fundraisers. You will find the group gathered at Brothers Restaurant on Main Street every third Tuesday of the month for their regular meeting, as well as supper for those who arrive earlier. There are currently five members of the group.

Their next upcoming fundraiser is a Paint Night on November 14th. “I have been to a few paint nights, and you would be surprised when shown step by step how well your painting turns out. We have our local artist Devon Coles as our instructor,” Darlene said. As for future goals, the group aims to donate money to the women’s shelter to furnish a room.

The local Royal Purple has helped kids in need in our community in various ways, by making donations to the healthy snack program and disability play equipment. “We have also donated to a community for the purchase of helmets,” Darlene said. “The Royal Purple has gone into the schools and talked to young students about wearing a helmet to protect their brain. This year, we put on a poster contest, both locally and provincially, for kindergarten to Grade 8 students. The theme was, ‘how do we protect our brain.’

Despite the challenges presented by restrictions and health regulations, the group continues to thrive. “We have several businesses who support us by donating their pop cans and plastic bottles, which we collect once a month. We also have face masks for sale,” Darlene explained.

Besides focusing on their group, the Kindersley Royal Purple is committed to donating funds to help new lodges get started. “We also attend their functions throughout the province when we can or help with trade shows,” Darlene added.

This year, their group also donated $2500 to the Kindersley Food Bank. So you can see this group manages to make a significant contribution to our community, even though they have only a few members. However, they would love to increase their numbers and welcome new members. You can phone Darlene May at 306-460-8947 if you are interested or have questions.

PHOTO:

Darlene May, representing Kindersley Royal Purple (L) hands a cheque for $2500.00 to Leslie Omness, representing the Kindersley Food Bank.