Parkland Council No. 6815 became a chartered council on June 6, 1976 with thirty charter members. Within a few years the Council had grown to eighty members, coming from an area that included the districts of Minnedosa, Basswood, Newdale, Erickson, Sandy Lake, Elphinstone, Oakburn, Rossburn and Shoal Lake. In June, 1982, the members from the Oakburn, Rossburn, and Shoal Lake districts formed a new
council, Our Lady of Fatima Council, leaving Parkland Council with fifty eight members. On this significant occasion, a presentation of the Jewels was made to the new council by the Parkland Knights. As Parkland Council Knights, we have endeavored, through numerous programs and projects, to fulfill our motto of unity, charity, and fraternity. In 1978, to facilitate the raising of funds, the Parkland Council Knights built a portable booth, ideal for use as a concession booth at fairs, sports days, reunions, and auction sales. This booth is regularly maintained and upgraded and is fully equipped with kitchen facilities. It can either be rented from us or we can serve meals at any function. Click here for more information. Also in 1978, the Parkland Council and the Neepawa Council joined forces to build a permanent float to allow both Council's to participate in parades. Since then Parkland Council has built its own float that we currently use to participate in various parades throughout the area. Our youth program has included several annual events in the past: the twelve and under boys' hockey tournament, a Christmas coloring contest centered around the theme "Keep Christ in Christmas", a Substance Abuse awareness Poster contest, a Christmas party for the children and the presentation of bursaries to deserving Grade XII graduates. Community programs are centered around helping those in need and in distress. Benefit socials for victims of fire, contributions of funds to provide life saving medical attention, visits to shut-ins, and distribution of Christmas baskets are examples of services we provide in the community. Included in our church program is the financial support of student priests in Latin America. In 1979, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Minnedosa, Parkland Council purchased a $7500 life-pac six monitor defibrillator in the Minnedosa District Hospital which is used on patients suffering a heart attack. Parkland Council also donated $250 to help the Shoal Lake District Hospital purchase a manikin which is being used to instruct students in artificial respiration. Also during 1979, the Parkland Council Knights of Columbus was awarded the Star Council Award by the Supreme Council of Columbus, New Haven, Connecticut for its efforts. This is the highest award granted to any council to recognize projects and activities in the areas of youth, council, community, and church. In 1982, the Knights donated just over $950 to the Rossburn District Health Centre towards the purchase of an IVAC pump, and a portable suction flymn inhaler. In the years that followed, Parkland Council continues in its efforts to help out where ever and whenever the need arises. More recently, through proceeds raised from the Club 300 draws, To date Parkland Council has donated 3 wheelchairs to care homes located in Erickson, Minnedosa, and Sandy Lake. We have also purchased 6 Lifeline Medical Alert monitoring devices that are deployed where needed. We at Parkland Council Knights of Columbus are continually looking for new programs and new members. If you see a worthwhile cause that we should be involved in, or if you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus (or simply finding out more about us), do not hesitate to contact any one of the Parkland Council Knights. PARKLAND COUNCIL SERVES THE FOLLOWING CHURCHES IN MANITOBA:
Roman Catholic Churches:
St. Alphonsus - Minnedosa
St. Judes - Erickson
Sacred Heart - Elphinstone
Reduced Service Roman Catholic Missions:
St. Anthony - Rackham (Jackfish)
St. Elizabeth of Hungary - Polonia
St. Peter and Paul - Wisla
Ukrainian Catholic Churches:
Sacred Heart - Erickson
Holy Ghost - Sandy Lake
Holy Ascension - Minnedosa
St. Nicholas - Ozerna (Jackfish)
St. John the Baptist - Rackham
Holy Eucharist - Horod
Sts. Peter and Paul - Newdale
St. Mary the Protectoress - Elphinstone
