The Friends of the Bar U recently held their 19th Annual Stockman's Dinner fundraiser at the Memorial Centre in High River.

Spokesman for the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, Mike McLean, says the friends of the Bar U are a non profit organization partnered with the Ranch.

"They are our most important partner in getting the message out about the importance of ranching in the development of Canada. I can speak in volunteer hours, over 3000 volunteer hours were put into the site last year."

At the dinner, the Robertson Family, the Feist Family, and the Stoney Tribe from Eden Valley were celebrated as the Pioneer Family Honouree's.

Each family gave a presentation about their ranching history in the community.

"The friends are the link between Parks Canada and the surrounding ranch community, so what better way to bring together the ranch community than a wonderful supper and to hear about the stories of the families that helped develop this part of our world."

280 tickets were sold for the Stockman's Dinner, where they raised just over $16,000.

The money raised will be put back into the operations of the Bar U Ranch.

McLean says, in 2006 Parks Canada presented a Volunteer Flame Award to the Friends of the Bar U to recognize the important work they do in preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of the site, as well as provide public education and a unique visitor experience.

He says, there are so many ways to get involved in the Bar U Ranch through volunteering.

"You can not only volunteer and learn things, but you can volunteer and share your knowledge with others as well, so it would be wonderful to see people come out and help connect that story of ranching to everybody that comes to visit us."

For more information on volunteer opportunities, you can visit their website.

 

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