The presence of Elvis has certainly not left one Merritt building.

The Merritt B.C. Elvis Presley Club has donated approximately $19,000 to the Nicola Valley Health Centre for Patient Transportation for residents needing to travel for medical aid not available in Merritt.

A dinner and entertainment fundraiser is held twice a year to raise money for the program.

“We bring in an Elvis tribute artist each time,” said Dolly Jackson, founder and president of the Merritt B.C. Elvis Presley Fan Club.

“One around his [Elvis’s] birthday and one around the time he died,” she said.

Jackson said she once had to travel for medical services and found the process both grueling and expensive.

“I used to have to travel out of town to get doctors appointments,” she said.

“They discontinued a lot of services in Merritt.”

“I wanted to help [others like her with the costs],” she said.

Jackson said her club members are the only one’s contributing to the Patients Transportation Program and the Nicola Valley Health Centre where Interior Health Authority officials allocate the funds to residents on a need-basis.

“If we didn’t have the Elvis fan club, there wouldn’t be any funds unless others decided to donate,” she said.

Jackson, who is retired, registered the club in 2003 after being a fan since the 50s. She gained support and help from about seven other friends and volunteers.

“I’ve always been a fan of Elvis’s music, but he was also a great humanitarian,” Jackson said.

Elvis Presley’s legacy of music and generosity has impacted fans half a century after he began the fan clubs.

The clubs, registered through Elvis Presley Enterprise in Graceland, relay Elvis’s generosity while keeping his memory alive.

“You have to get permission from Elvis Presley Enterprise,” said Jackson.

The Merritt club was the first in B.C. followed by one in Richmond. As well, they received permission to have the first Elvis mural painted in all of Canada – which was painted by Michelle Loughery on the exterior of the Merritt Desert Inn.

The mural is one of many painted by Loughery throughout Merritt.

“It ties in because Elvis was known for rock ‘n’ roll, gospel and country music,” Jackson said.

Over 3.1 million dollars has been raised by the 325 existing clubs since their inception by Elvis, himself, in the 50s.

“It keeps Elvis and his music alive,” Jackson said.

The Merritt Desert Inn will be sponsoring the venue for Elvis tribute artist Steve Elliott on August 20. Tickets are $35 and include a prime rib dinner as well as a night of entertainment that not only includes Elliott, but Patsy Bartholomew, Appaloosa and Up-town Hornz.

Jackson said tickets are going fast because it’s a lot of fun.

To purchase tickets in support of the Nicola Valley Health Centre for Patient Transportation call 250-378-2254.