New Glasgow's Elks Lodge seeks new members amid social media campaign

NEW GLASGOW – Elks Lodge is seeking new, young members to become part of the next generation of its storied community group.

Founded in 1912, the Elks of Canada are a national volunteer and fraternal organization, which includes over 200 lodges and more than 7,000 members. Acting as Nova Scotia’s only branch, the New Glasgow-based Elks Lodge No. 226 regularly hosts fundraisers and other events at its location on North Provost Street, with proceeds going toward local causes and community initiatives.

The group also supports the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children, which helps families with costs related to children’s medical needs, including hearing and speech services.

“We’re happy to be a charitable group with such a community focus,” said president Jim Rizzotti, who noted it also offers various social activities.

“But we’re more than just a club as well, as we strive to help children and their families in the best way we can. People can come to us if they have dire financial need, and we’ll be happy to help however we can.”

The lodge also serves as a popular bar in New Glasgow. It is available for rent to those looking for a space to host parties and other community events. Rizzotti said the group’s numbers have dwindled in the past few decades, and in response, the New Glasgow Elks have started a social media campaign to recruit new, young members.

At a meeting on Oct. 13, half a dozen new, young members were inducted into the Elks, including the first female members in the New Glasgow lodge’s history.

“I think a lot of people, especially younger people, don’t really know what the Elks are or how much they give back to the community,” said new member Emma Proudfoot.

“My dad has been a member ever since I was young, with me and my sister attending some Christmas parties. In the past year, my dad has mentioned the group (is) seeking new membership and involving younger people. My friends and I were looking for a place to socialize with people our age too, since there aren’t really many places to go here, so we all joined up. We are also among the first female members of the group, which is very exciting. The group really does do a lot for our community, and I’m enjoying being a part of that.”

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and anyone interested is invited to attend. 

“I’m excited for what we’ll be up to next,” said new member Lauren Pike.

“Emma invited me initially, and I thought it sounded like a fun thing to get involved with. It really is great for people our age to come up with new things for us to do. Learning about all of these new ways to help better my community and make connections while doing so is an experience worth having.”

The New Glasgow lodge can be contacted by phone at 902-752-9029 or by email at 226newglasgow@gmail.com. More information about the local organization is available on its Facebook and Instagram pages.