The Canadian Royal Purple Society is wanting to start up a lodge in Portage la Prairie, after having been closed a few years ago. Manitoba treasurer Belva Wiggins recounts their days in the city.

"I think it was about three years ago they closed, but this was the largest lodge in Manitoba. We were very, very sorry to see it close. It was one of our mainstays. They did a lot of good work in this community, and I think the community probably realizes now they've lost them. There are other people in the community that are picking up some of the slack, like the Eastern Star."

"The membership is to particularly help children in need in all the communities in Manitoba, or people in need - not necessarily just children," says Wiggins. "And that's why we sort of look at the safe-house or the abuse centre because most of those people are for women, and with those women come kids."

She notes the city can always use more help.

"We'd sure like to start a lodge in Portage la Prairie, because we know that the Royal Purple's been missed here. And there is a need for lots of organizations. They don't have to get totally involved. They don't have to be a quilter. Whatever you can give us a volunteer, whatever time you give us, is appreciated."

Wiggins adds they need a place to hold meetings and are looking for volunteers who like to quilt in support of the abuse centre or safe house, or are interested in generally helping people in need. They were once called the Order of The Royal Purple, and were a branch of the Elks Lodge, but became incorporated in their own name and are now called the Canadian Royal Purple Society. 

She says, "Really what we're here for is how we can attract members to join, whether it be because they need a place to help other people, or if they want to learn how to quilt -- we can help them with that, too (laughs)."

Wiggins says she's coming to Portage this month, and you can call and set up an appointment to talk if you're interesting in helping.

You can contact Belva Wiggins by phone at (204) 832-5667 or Email: belvawiggins@shaw.ca