More than 60 people attended the tea, which helped raise funds that will go towards research into arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as equipment to help people with eye problems.
The International Association of Rebekah Assemblies is a non-profit charitable organization and a branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which operates all over the world.
“In Saskatchewan, the Rebekahs and Odd Fellows have donated to visual eye research equipment in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Regina, Prince Albert and Yorkton,” noble grand and secretary of the Prince Albert lodge Sharon Chesley said.
“So that’s why we have the teas … to raise extra money for donations.”
The local Rebekah lodge holds two tea and bake sales per year, with the second usually taking place in October. The date for this year’s second sale has yet to be determined.
Among the attendees at Saturday’s sale were honoured guests including Mr. and Mrs. Winter Festival, Kost and Margaret Ferchuk; Miss Teen Canada Nikita Singh; and longstanding Rebekah Gladys Gillies, who has been a member of the organization for more than 85 years and recently celebrated her 103rd birthday.
The Rebekahs and Odd Fellows have donated to visual eye research equipment in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Regina, Prince Albert and Yorkton. - Sharon Chesley
Besides the organization’s bi-annual tea and bake sales, the Rebekahs of Prince Albert also hold two bingo nights per month to raise extra money for donations. This fall they plan to raffle off an afghan crocheted by Chesley to fund more charitable causes.
The Rebekahs have approximately 16 members in Prince Albert -- of whom around eight are active members -- and hold two lodge meetings each month.
Though currently small in number, the group has opened its arms to the community, and anyone interested in joining the Rebekahs can call Chesley at 764-0578 for more information.
Males or females over 16 years of age are equally eligible.
“It’s a lot of fun and we do a lot of fun things, and we’d love to have more members,” Chesley said.
