ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT, DEB SALLENBACK

Brother and Sister Elks, Ladies of the Royal Purple

When I joined the Elks in 2000, being the President of the B.C. Elks Association had never crossed my mind.  I had never belonged to an organization before, heck I never really volunteered before, and now here I am doing something that I have come to Love.   I have met so many wonderful people and I have made so many friends all across this great country and all I have to do was volunteer.

I have chosen the theme "TOGETHER WE CAN" because I believe that no one person can do all the things that we do as an Organization.  "Together We Can" help children and families with needs to have a better life, "Together We Can" make a difference in our communities by volunteering to assist wherever help is needed.  "Together We Can" help to make Life Sweeter, People Better and the World Happier.

We need to promote ourselves by making ourselves visible in our communities keeping the members of our Lodges busy doing projects that they enjoy.  As I have heard said before you need to keep the members of  your Lodge busy or you will lose them, a busy Lodge is a happy Lodge.  By doing this "Together We Can" keep the membership we have and look ahead to Grow for the future.

I would like to Thank all the members of the B.C. Elks Association for their support and for giving me the opportunity to serve as your President.  I have some big shoes to fill, but I will do the best to be the leader that you can be proud of.  I look forward to meeting the members that I have not already met and to getting reacquainted with the ones that I have.  To the Lodges, I wish you a busy, productive, "Together We Can" Grow for the future successful year.

Fraternally, Deb Sallenback