Rick Stiebel/News Gazette staff
Seventy years later, the Buffaloes continue to roam in Langford, supporting a range of local charities and initiatives.
The Happy Valley Lodge #5 of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes recently made several donations to support a number of causes, including the Langford Minor Fastball Association, the Westshore Rebels, Westshore Synergy, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Jeneece Place. The funds were raised through a series of meat draws at Bucky’s Tap House.
Langford Minor Fastball Association president Dave Saunders said he enjoyed that the Buffaloes took some time to share their history during the presentation of a cheque for $1,000 at Centennial Park.
“It was really neat to hear about the long history of the old Buffalo Hall and Buffalo Burger Shack which used to be right at the corner of Carlow and Goldstream,” Saunders said. “We also really appreciate their donation to support fastball for kids in the community.”
Langford Coun. Matt Sahlstrom said he joined the Buffaloes organization two years ago because he was impressed by their tradition. “They have a long history of supporting worthwhile causes in Langford,” he noted. The Buffaloes originated in England in the early 1800s. Lodges began to form throughout the British Commonwealth after that, with several in the Victoria area coming together in 1946 to form the Grand Lodge of B.C., which includes the Happy Valley Lodge.
The local Buffaloes also support the Langford Legion and Santa’s Anonymous with yearly contributions. They meet on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at the Langford 50 and Up Club, 2637 Sunderland Rd. The organization will also host a celebration in the fall for their 70th anniversary.