Harding Community Club consists of six energetic members. They have put on a Sunday supper once a month for the past six summers serving over 120 people each time. When Harding Agricultural Fair is held they serve meals to an even larger crowd.
“Dating back to 1893 the community has always had a ladies’ group whether it was church groups, WI and now a community club. The building is the former church, which was originally built at Greenwood Cemetery in 1893. When the railway came to Harding where a town was being established a decision was made to move the church there,” said Bev Bennett club president.
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They have taken on several fundraising projects to keep the hall in good repair. Hall ownership was transferred to the RM of Woodworth for insurance reasons, but the community club remains as manager of the facility and is responsible for maintenance. In 2000 when the foundation deteriorated beyond repair it was decided to move the hall to the fairgrounds with some financial help from Harding Agricultural Society so it could be used fair day.
“In 2011 we updated the kitchen to be a licensed food-handling facility and since 1995 have been licensed to serve liquor for up to 44 people. As well as fundraising, grants and local donations have helped finance some of our projects. Members are proud to be able to provide annual support to Greenwood Cemetery and a junior cooking class held at Harding Fair for the past 25 years,” said Bennett.
In 2017 the club will hold only two Sunday suppers because students who have helped are graduating and leaving home. It has sponsored a graduate bursary at Hamiota and Virden collegiates in support of these volunteer students.
In 2016 the charity the club supported was “Port in the Storm,” a medical hostel for rural and northern people and their families who have to receive medical treatment in Winnipeg. The goal of Port in the Storm is to reduce the financial burden of seriously ill people who must travel and remain in Winnipeg for extended periods to receive treatment. Harding Community Club raised $6,000 to donate to the project and another $1,200 from donations at the Mall in the Hall held last month. A cheque was presented to Stacey Grocholsky, executive director of Port in the Storm.
Wilma Bell, a member of the club, knows first hand the benefits of Port in the Storm when she stayed at one of the suites.
“When one is diagnosed with a major medical problem things race through your mind and you aren’t able to think as clearly as normal. When I needed treatment I knew little of the hostel but was lucky enough to obtain the last available suite. The suites are fully equipped with all the conveniences of home; you just have to supply your own food and personal items. If you are able to travel home for a weekend your belongings can stay in the suite. The subsidized rent also includes parking and laundry facilities. The staff and volunteers are caring and compassionate, and someone checks on you daily to see if you need anything or just to talk,” said Bell.
There is also a transportation program set up to take patients to the hospital.
“That program is really appreciated by us ‘country bumpkins’ as we don’t have to worry about the cost of parking or plugging the meters. Having affordable housing we can concentrate on getting better instead of on financial worries. Another perk is that family can stay with the patient at no extra cost, and lessens the turmoil one goes through,” said Bell.
For further information check out the Port in the Storm website.
