About Us
Our Story
Sarnia Moose Lodge 1046
An International organization of men and women, dedicated to caring for young and old, bringing communities closer together and celebrating life.
You may have heard the saying, “A burden heavy to one is borne lightly by many.” This is at the core of the Moose organization and what makes us unique in our Lodges, local communities, and charitable “cities” that we support. Our roots can be traced to 1888 and the founder of the Moose, Dr. Henry Wilson, who successfully established the first Lodge in Louisville, Kentucky. In the early years, the Moose was to serve a modest goal of offering men an opportunity to gather socially, to care for one another’s needs and celebrate life together.
Since those early years, our fraternal organization rapidly expanded to include valuable service to our communities, care for children and teens in need at Mooseheart Child City & School, a 1,000-acre campus, located 40 miles west of Chicago and care for our senior members at Moosehaven, a 70-acre retirement community near Jacksonville, Florida.
With a combined membership of almost 1,000,000 members in the Loyal Order of Moose and Women of the Moose, our presence is felt in over 1,500 communities across all 50 states and four Canadian provinces, plus Great Britain. The Moose organization contributes between $75 to $100 million worth of community service (counting monetary donations, volunteer hours worked, and miles driven) annually.
The Moose fraternity’s Heart of the Community effort is multifaceted with internally developed programs like Tommy Moose. Tommy Moose aids in helping children overcome fears and anxiety during times of stress. Donated to law enforcement, fire fighters and other emergency workers, Tommy Moose plush dolls are presented to children in various traumatic situations. The external focus of our service is directed towards many worthwhile national charities, a few of which are: Salvation Army, Safe Surfin’USA Foundation, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and St. Jude.
In our local Lodges, we have a wide array of activities to participate in both as an individual and as a family. From holiday parties, dances, sports, themed dinners and live entertainment, the Moose has much to offer. Membership can mean different things to different people. You are the one determining what you want to get out of the organization, and what you want to give back.
The Moose is about celebrating life together and serving those in need within our local community.
We support Veterans
Supporting veterans is something that has always been important to the Moose. So, it is no surprise that our newest initiative, the “Valued Veterans” program, has drawn so much interest from members, lodges and chapters.
The focus of this program is on the recognition and support of Moose veterans with an emphasis on their ongoing service to their fraternal units and communities through the Moose. The program’s tag phrase captures this well: “Moose Members Serving Then . . . and NOW!” This approach simultaneously honors our veterans while also highlighting the Fraternity’s commitment to community service.
The International Heart of the Community Committee approached the planning of this program with passion, enthusiasm, and personal insights, as several members are veterans themselves. The goal was to deliver more recognition and support to our own members who are veterans and to provide Lodges and Chapters with the necessary tools to make the best possible impact on all who have served.
The Tommy Moose program
The Tommy Moose® program aids in helping children overcome fears and anxiety during times of stress. Donated to Law Enforcement, Fire, and other Emergency workers, Tommy Moose plush dolls are presented to children in various traumatic situations. In addition to this service, the Tommy Moose character has grown to personify happiness, safety, and security through personal appearances, books, and on children’s goods.
Our Board of Officers
Our Members committed to lodge operations and various activities happening at Sarnia Moose Lodge 1046.
Mike Raaymaker
President
Apart from president at Sarnia Moose Lodge, Mike is also the owner of Guardian Tree Systems, a great local Business.
Gord Gark
Jr. Past President
Gord is a District Manager for CarQuest Auto Parts, a past member of the Kinsman Club of Sarnia, and a former Commanding officer of the local Air Cadet Squadron
Rick Wagner
Vice President
Rick supports many community organizations and is also the owner of Concrete Solutions, a great local Business.
Paul Babcock
Chaplain
In addition to his work at the Moose Lodge, Paul is a member of the Sarnia Celebration of Lights Committee and supports may local groups. Paul is the owner of Babcock Welding & Fabricating, a great local business!
Henry Lariviere
Treasurer
Henry is a long time Moose Member and is our “Jack of All Trades” at the Lodge. He is an integral part of keeping our lodge running every day.
Lloyd Olson
Trustee(1YR)
Lloyd is a new member of our Board and a supporter of the Lansdowne School support programs that our Lodge is proud to support
Rob Cates
Trustee(2YR)
Rob Cates is a retired Process Engineer at Suncor Energy. His interests are woodworking and motorcycles.
Chris Hodgson
Trustee(3YR)
Chris is a retired railroader and is our primary event leader for our Draws, Pools and Sports activities. Also one of our best ticket sellers!
Melody Gibson
Inner Guard
Steve Hughes
Outer Guard
Steve is also a new Board member and is always ready behind the scenes to make things happen.
Ian Raaymaker
Sergeant-at-Arms
In addition to Ian’s role here at the lodge, he is a member of the Guardian Tree Systems team and a supporter of many of our youth activities.
Women of the Moose Chapter 971
2021-2022 Board of Officers
Melody Gibson
Melody is a past Junior Graduate Regent for the Women of the Moose, Sponsoring Committee Chair for the 44 Imperial Air Cadets, Secretary for the Lambton County Music Festival and Store Manager of vanGoozen Music
Lynn Berrill
Lynn is a past Deputy Grand Regent of the WOTM, was a local Sea Cadet, and was a Civilian Instructor with the local Air Cadets. A long-time supporter of many community groups.
Deb Jones
Deb is a long-time member of the local WOTM Chapter and has held all positions. She is instrumental in the WOTM Dinner programs and with many of their fundraising activities.
Organizations we support
Seniors & Adult Community Programs
Sarnia Hospice, Sarnia Alumni Old Timers, Women’s Interval Home, Inn of the Good Shepherd.
Community Betterment Programs
The Sarnia Celebration of Lights Committee, the Sarnia Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade, Kids Help Phone & Community Concerns for the Medically Fragile (CCMF), OPP Childfind Program, Sarnia Community Living.
Youth Community Support programs
Sarnia Boys Home, SMAA Hockey, SMAA Baseball, Boys & Girls Club of Sarnia, 44 Sarnia Air Cadet Squadron, 102 Sarnia Army Cadet Corps, 132 Sarnia Sea Cadets, Lansdowne Public School Breakfast Program, Special Olympics for Sarnia Lambton, Sarnia Lambton Rebound, Ohana Landing Transitional Housing
Our donations
Our Moose Family centers contributes approximately $50,000 per year to Sarnia Community Groups through Meat Draws and other charitable operations.
Our Food
At Sarnia Moose Lodge 1046, We serve your favorite food. We also do breakfast and dinners. We make dinners on every Thursday and Friday.
Events at our lodge
we, at Sarnia Moose Lodge 1046 conduct various events through out the year. We stay in touch with our local community with this various events.
Other fun activities at our lodge
