Tilton’s Orange Lodge has a history of giving back

By Olivia Bradbury

When it comes to volunteering, Tilton’s Orange Lodge has a long history of it.

The Lodge’s current master, Travis Smith, is only 25, but has been helping out for years.

Smith, who was promoted to the position of Master two years ago, began volunteering alongside his father, also a lodge member, at a very young age.

“I can’t really remember not being a volunteer down there in some capacity and as I got older it developed more, taking on bigger roles and that,” Smith said.

The Lodge periodically hosts events for the community to enjoy.

“A lot of our events are actually free, so that all people of all backgrounds and economic aspects can take part in them,” said Smith.

At Family Day, for instance, visitors can enjoy free food and beverages, balloon-tying, facepainting, tractor rides, and other activities. “Pretty much whatever we can get there we’ll have there for the kids and their families,” said Smith.

The lodge also gives back to the community financially. It sponsors scholarships for Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts and Holy Redeemer Elementary in Spaniard’s Bay. The members also fundraise throughout the year and donate the proceeds to charities and non-profits including Daffodil House, the TCP Health Foundation, Girl Guides, food banks, the fire department, and others. The lodge donates approximately $30,000 in cash every year.

During Easter, the lodge hosted a free egg hunt in memory of the late Trevor Smith, a lodge member who died from cancer in 2022. Volunteers filled and scattered over 3,200 eggs for participants to find. There were toys, games, and a giveaway of paddle bikes. Along with the big prizes, volunteers gathered enough small prizes to ensure every child left with something.

The lodge has some 35-40 members, about 20 of whom are quite active. Smith said it’s not just lodge members who make events possible through their volunteer work, but also their spouses and residents with no connection to the lodge.

“There are a lot of people who aren’t in the lodge who show up on the day of the event to make it possible,” said Smith. “The lodge is putting off the event, but without the volunteers within the community that come to help us and spouses and that, none of it would be possible.”

Smith said the lodge is always looking for new members, but also just for anyone who would like to volunteer at their events.