Chicken BBQ To Support Elderly On Trip To Rome Held At HAVFD

On Saturday, a benefit barbeque to support the elderly traveling to Rome to see the canonization of Kateri Tekakwitha was held at the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department. There was a specific target for the benefit: those on fixed income, and those who may be too proud to ask for help in dealing with unexpected expenses – such as the landing tax of $300 just to get off the plane, or insurance, which may cost upwards of $700.

Event co-organizer Matt Rourke said “This isn’t like a lacrosse tournament, where everybody goes every year, it’s a one time deal, so that’s why we are doing this.”

The all-volunteer effort aimed to tackle issues that those in a more precarious financial position may face. For many of the elderly traveling, it will likely be their last major trip. “The thing about the elderly that are going is that for most of us it’s our last trip anywhere. That’s unfortunate, but that’s the reality,” said Alma Ransom, co-organizer of the event.

In addition to the chicken barbeque, which the volunteers from the HAVFD started cooking at 6am, there was also a raffle and tickets being sold. The raffle, which will be given away in September, was for a bench and portrait. The bench was purchased at a substantial discount from Mohawk Plumbing, and Travel Quest from Cornwall, donated the portrait. Tickets will be $5 apiece.

Travel Quest, owned by two Mohawks, Kenny Papineau and Wally Oakes, also donated trips for Sister Christine and Father Jerome Pastores. Travel Quest, who has been a supporter from the beginning, got on board with the group before anyone else. They were able to provide a price for the trips and stick to it right away, unlike everyone else they went through. “Now the other travel agencies are all over us.” Ransom said. Donaldson’s Funeral Home assisted the group by donating the cost of the insurance for Sister Christine and Father Jerome.

There will also be another benefit meal planned. This one is likely going to be a meatpie sale, although portioned into single meals, rather than the entire pie. The other intention is to do it during the week, and maybe visit worksites. The details are still being worked out, however.

Ransom said, “First off we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, who have the best barbecue chicken around. They agreed to do the cooking.” The fire department saw a need, and on top of saving the community, they help the community as well. Ransom also wanted to recognize Brass Horse who donated use of their freezers, and the use of their pizza ovens to cook the baked beans. Also many of the people brought in food as well.

For information contact Alma Ransom 358-4400