The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks was founded in the United States by Charles Algernon Vivian during the mid 19th century. Inspired by their American neighbours, the first B. P. O Elks Lodge in Canada was founded in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1912. The Elks of Canada are a fraternal and charitable organization whose volunteers (over 12 000 nationally) serve community needs across Canada. The Elks were organized in Moose Jaw from 1909-1913 under the Church-Lewis group. In 1913, the group decided to become associated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the Dominion of Canada, and was instituted on August 5, 1913. The group stayed together until 1915, but seemed to disappear until 1920. The Moose Jaw Lodge #7 was reinstituted on July 12, 1920 and has been in operation ever since. The Moose Jaw Elks support the community in a variety of ways. They started a program to assist in the construction of senior citizens’ homes and their charity fund, the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, helps families with children with medical needs. The Elks met in the Cruikshank home at 358 Langdon Crescent from 1934 until 2008. Since 2008, the Moose Jaw Lodge #7 meets at the Royal Canadian Legion building in Moose Jaw.