On May 28, the Coronach Royal Purple Lodge #349 were pleased to have the Supreme Honoured Royal Lady Sharen McLean visit their regular lodge meeting.
McLean lives in Calgary and has belonged to the Stavely, Alberta, Lodge #99 for 46 years.
Since her year-long reign began in July of 2011, McLean has visited close to 50 lodges, all across Canada.
She enjoys the chance to visit the lodges and meet new people within the organization.
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She said, “I know I could travel anywhere across Canada and if I ever got in to trouble, all I would have to do is pick up the phone and I would have help immediately.”
McLean talked about her reasons for coming to Coronach. “I come to visit the lodges to help them out, to tell them what is new, how we can help them get new members, institute new lodges. Just to encourage the lodges to me more active to try their best to increase membership,” she said. According to McLean, lodges are all visited within three to five years.
Coronach Royal Purple member Mable Shain, who hosted McLean at her home talked about the visit, “It’s just really exciting. We enjoy having the Supreme Honoured Royal Lady visit us anytime,” said Shain.
McLean talked about The Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children. “Its our main charity. that goes to children. The money that the communities raise help and assist their community and the children.
“Last year the fund was down by 30 per cent, but this year we have raised $260,000 greater than last year already.
“It’s a big feat! It’s a great feeling to think that the lodges are putting in more funds and helping out knowing that it’s the children that’s gonna benefit.”
The evening began with supper before the regular meeting of the Coronach Lodge, followed by socializing. Guests for the evening included ladies from the Weyburn and Estevan lodges as well as representatives from the Town of Coronach.
McLean had been to Kerrobert on this tour and will finish up her year with visits to two Royal Purple Lodges in Alberta and one each in B.C. and Iqaluit, Nunavut.
