The members of Canton Regina (Canton is the highest branch in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows) are proud of their efforts in supporting many worthwhile causes in their community, including Hospitals of Regina Foundation. In March 2019, the group provided a donation of $30,000 to the Foundation, which in turn was invested in technology upgrades for the Eye Centre at  Pasqua Hospital.
 
“We try to make a donation to help with the needs at the Eye Centre every year,” says Canton member, Dwayne Pearce. “With technology changing so rapidly, it’s important to make sure our hospitals keep up to date, in order to provide the best possible care.”
 
The Eye Centre is a centre of excellence in southern Saskatchewan, with more than 25,000 visits each year. Patients receive treatment for conditions that can lead to loss of sight and blindness, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
 
The Cantons, along with the Odd Fellows and their sister organization, the Rebekahs, have been strong supporters of the Foundation and the Eye Centre over the years. Since 1988, the three organizations have combined to donate more than $900,000 to the Foundation.
 
“The staff at the Pasqua Hospital Eye Centre tell us they’re able to recruit and retain some of the top eye doctors in Canada,” Dwayne says. That’s due in part to the support that we’ve provided, and that makes it all worthwhile from our perspective.The three groups trace their history in Regina back more than 125 years. New members are always welcome. Anyone interested in joining and making a difference in their community, or finding out more about the Cantons, Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, can contact Lodge Secretary Laura Argue at laurajimargue@sasktel.net.