POETRY

 

The projects listed on this site are projects of the Provincial organization of the Order of the Eastern Star. Each Chapter in the province has in addition their own projects such as scholarships and community projects.

Worthy Grand Matron Special Projects

2006-7

 

Cancer is an evil disease but never more than when it roots itself in a child. The miracle is the depth of courage and strength we see in those children who suffer from it. In recent years, health professionals treating children stricken with cancer have noticed a remarkable phenomena. It is possible for a child to transfer their pain, fear and emotional anguish to a large toy bear known as a Spinoza Bear.

 

Spinoza is a VERY large bear - almost as big as the child itself. Unlike other toy bears, however, Spinoza is not only soft and cuddly, but he has a voice, and can speak to the child. The "voice" comes from audiotapes planted inside, that can be activated by the child twisting a red knob right over Spinoza's heart. Thus the two of them, bear and child, can have a conversation together. Spinoza can suggest a walk together, or maybe just to sit and hug. When the child has to have a shot, or chemo or any form of treatment, Spinoza has it too, sharing in all the experiences his 'friend' has.

 

Each bear costs $300, and our goal is to match up as many Spinozas as we can with kids who have cancer. Chapters may be able to identify a local child who is a victim of cancer, and 'adopt' her or him. In addition to donating money to the purchase, we encourage you to get involved in this way where possible, reaching out the hand of love and caring.

 

The second part of the project focuses on a different facet of the fight against cancer.

 

Patients' blood samples, like tissue samples, provide vital information about cancers: the ways and speed with which a particular tumor grows, how the tumor responds or doesn't respond to various treatments, and of course, the long term implications for the patient's health. Once the sample is taken, the results are linked to the patient's basic demographic information. In order to treat each cancer patient, doctors need to compare blood and tissue samples over a period of time. Thus the doctor can establish which treatment is working and what effect it has on the patient.

 

For this reason, there is a great need for a freezer in which to store the samples. Unfortunately the $395.00 Sears Special freezer will not do the job. What is required is no ordinary freezer, far from it. It is, in fact, a state-of-the-art freezer using liquid nitrogen, and as such has capability of reaching sub-zero temperatures as low as 150 degrees below zero. It must have a huge capacity to store thousands of samples and at the same time be totally reliable. This is accomplished by wiring it directly into special alarm and maintenance systems. To be a crucial key in the research process, the samples may have to be stored many years.

 

The projected benefit for patients is that the quality of treatments administered will be tailored individually for each patient. Researchers in British Columbia are world - class, and this amazing liquid nitrogen sub-zero freezer will be an integral part of their efforts, By endorsing the purchase of this freezer, we will take one more giant step forward in our fight against cancer.

2005-6

In 2005-6 the Special Project of the Worthy Grand Matron was to purchase intrathecal pain pumps for cancer patients which help the patients with the severe pain. These pumps give the patient quality of life, minimize their trips to the hospital and allow them to remain at home with family and friends.

Cancer Dressings

The members of British Columbia & Yukon, Order of the Eastern Star, make and provide Cancer Dressings, FREE OF CHARGE, for cancer patients throughout the Province. Just one of the projects undertaken by the members of this organization.

Collection of used Postage Stamps

We collect used POSTAGE STAMPS to raise funds for the purchase of materials to make cancer dressings and other cancer projects including research. In 2005-6 some $14,467.98 was raised from the collection of used stamps. This is a worthwhile venture and PLEASE if you have any used stamps or postcards with stamp attached (keep the postcard whole with the stamp on) take them along to your nearest cancer office. Every little bit helps.

For more information email

OES Auxiliary

Equipment such as wheel Chairs and other physical aid equipment is stored in depots located in Burnaby, Victoria, Duncan, Chilliwack, Prince George and Kelowna. Help is always needed to distribute much needed equipment in these areas.

Awards, Bursaries and Scholarships

VIVIAN MARSHALL - ROB MORRIS SOCIETY MEMORIAL BURSARY:

This award is given to deserving students who are pursuing a career in music and who are:

For more information email

ESTARL

ESTARL awards are made to assist students in preparing for careers in religion as a Minister, Missionary, Director of Church Music, Director of Religious Education, Youth Leadership or other related fields. Awardees are selected on the basis of need, character, scholarship, leadership, dedication and citizenship. Each province and state has its own program so applicants must apply within their own province or state.

Two new applications and three renewal applications were received and $13,000.00 was awarded to these worthy students.

ELIZABETH BENTLEY BURSARY

Bursaries are available for for students who are relatives of our members. A total of 27 applications were received in the 2005-6 term and $11,440.00 was awarded to these 27 students.

Stipulations: