J.D. Potié
FORT COULONGE
March 5, 2019
On Saturday, more than 300 people congregated at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Fort Coulonge for the 13th annual Charity Fish Fry.
The hall was nearly filled to capacity, as people lined up for servings of fried fish, seasoned chicken breasts, assortments of salads and vegetables among many more delicious treats.
Hosted by the fourth-degree branch of the Knights of Columbus of Fort Coulonge, the event has served as a fundraiser for local charities and community projects like the Dialysis Unit at the Pontiac Community Hospital, while bringing residents together, showing them the true meaning of giving back to the community.
“As a community, people need to get together and help themselves,” said Hebert Soucie, a member of the fourth branch of the Knights of Columbus and former Mayor of Fort Coulonge. “This brings people together to be able to contribute, to help out the needy and also the organization. That’s why we promote this thing, once per year.”
Now 13 years in the making, the event has become substantially more popular as attendance numbers have soared from the low-200’s to now over 300.
“When we started 13 years ago, we served about 200,” said Soucie. “Then it came up to 225 and it’s going up every year since then.”
When asked about what the event means for the community, Soucie said it makes him proud to be living in a small community like Fort Coulonge, as its residents are always ready to support a positive cause like this one.
“I’m very proud to say that all these people supported us,” said Soucie. “Every year, they come and we really appreciate it.”
With 310 people attending, the event raised $6,500 from ticket sales, all of which will go back to community projects and charities such as the Pierre Lavoie March for Cancer, according to Soucie.
