The Omineca Safe Home received a cheque from the freemasonry-related group Eastern Stars (Omineca chapter) after members collected 50 cents for each pair of shoes they owned.
“Each year the worthy grand matron does a special project and this year was the Shoe Challenge. We counted our pairs of shoes and paid 50 cents per pair. The Vanderhoof chapter collected $310 from its 20 members which was then donated back into the community ,” Donelda Nelsen, matron of the Omineca chapter said, adding she paid $37 dollars.
The groups mandate is to better ones self and do good works throughout the community. Eastern Star extends through Alberta and BC and the Omineca Chapter just celebrated their 61 anniversary.
Any women with a Masonic affiliation can join the Easter Stars or, if they were a jobie or rainbow girl, Nelsen said.
“Usually the grand matron donates to cancer research but this year she chose the shoe challenge. Eastern star is the biggest contributor to cancer [research] in Canada,” Nelsen said.
The group also collects cancelled stamps that are sold to make dressings for cancer patients.
Audrey Cooper, office manager at the OSH said, “We’re looking at renovating our transition house and this will definitely help make it a safer place.”