Have you ever wondered where the proceeds from the Legion's Poppy sales go? This past campaign raised $16,507.31, and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 65 past president Bob Oldford explains how the funds are used.
"It's for the community organizations that we've helped through the Poppy Fund. The amount of money donated tonight was $16,507.31, and that money will be used by various groups and organizations. Each organization sent us a request. We put the invitations out, usually in January, and then we'll review each of the requests on the Poppy Board and committee to see whether or not it meets the criteria. We also determine whether we have enough funds to support those."
This year's recipients included the Soup Kitchen and Meals on Wheels. The firefighters received a new AED for one of their trucks. The Army and Air Cadets also received funding to assist their organizations.
"Our Veterans' dinner is also paid for through the Poppy Fund. Our AED batteries are maintained by the proceeds as well. That's something the Poppy Campaign has always taken care of. Then there's the Military Family Resource Centre, plus we offer bursaries to students connected to the Legion through their grandparents, parents, or other members of the Armed Forces. They have to meet certain criteria to apply for those bursaries."
Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation of long-service pins.
"We had a couple of 50-year pins, and then some for 10, 20, and 25 years, thanking members for their long service within the Legion. Legion Week started this past Saturday, the 14th, with a garage sale here, followed by karaoke that evening. Bingo occurred Monday night. Tonight was our general meeting. There has been live music in the afternoon most of the week and our Veterans' dinner was Wednesday. We are doing a shuffleboard tournament and Friday evening is a big day with our steak dinner."
He adds that the musical lineup Friday also includes Leather and Lace, featuring Charlie and Mavis Brennan. Saturday will feature a dart tournament in the afternoon, followed by the Jimmy Sharpe Band in the evening. Raffle prizes will be drawn in the basement.
"Our Legion Week attracts new members, and we're doing it nationally on the third week of September. We've been doing it long before it became a national event. The goal is to keep promoting our Legion and encouraging members to join. As you can see, it's also about honouring those who have given us years of service. They may not be able to do everything they used to, but they're still here, and we want to recognize that."
2024 Big Cheque Recipients:
- Soup Kitchen - Cindy White
- Meals on Wheels - Kaylee Hannah
- Firefighters - Deputy Mayor Terrie Porter and Deputy Fire Chief Norm Vuignier
- Air Cadets - Matt Heintz
- Army Cadets - Bob Oldford
- Veterans' Dinner - Connie Morris
- AEDs in the Legion - Al Keryney
- Military Family Resource Centre - Barb Bradley representing
