The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11 in Morden is one step closer to completing an important accessibility project, thanks to a generous donation from a fellow community organization.
Jason Ewert, 1st Vice President of the branch, said the Legion has been working to replace its exterior doors — not just for the club room, but for the hall as well — and to upgrade them with accessibility hardware.
“We’ve been working on a project to replace the exterior doors for our Legion. So that’s both our club room and the hall,” said Ewert. “But it’s not just to replace the doors. This is also a project to add accessibility hardware... We’re going to be able to add handicapped buttons to the door, which will make the doors a lot easier to open for everybody and make our space just a bit more open to a wide range of people.”
$5,000 Donation from Morden Elks
The project, which is expected to cost around $20,000, recently received a $5,000 donation from the Morden Elks.
“It is just a testament to the excellent relationship our organizations have,” Ewert said. “They heard that we were working on this project, asked some questions of us about it, and then approached us and offered us this just unbelievable donation... This donation is going to go such a long way to helping us in this project.”
Community fundraising has been strong
While not all costs are finalized — including electrical work for the door-opening mechanisms — the Legion has already raised most of the needed funds.
“The community, as always, has been an unbelievable support coming out to our breakfasts and our bake sales and just supporting us through Co-op gift card initiatives... So our funding is there to complete the project,” said Ewert.
Related stories:
- 'It was incredible': Morden Legion Members tour U.S. Space Force Radar Site near Cavalier, ND
- 'It's something we have to take very seriously,' says Morden Fire & Rescue Chief as fire ban continues
Beyond doors: Paying it forward
Ewert emphasized that the support from the community and the Elks not only helps this project but also frees up resources for future improvements — and even support for others. “Any of these donations... also allow us to start thinking about the next project,” he said.
The Legion is hoping to complete the work by summer’s end. A local contractor has already been selected, and preparations are underway.
“We’re hoping it’ll be done sometime this summer... but definitely we want it done before winter is the important thing,” said Ewert.
Future projects always on the horizon
Ewert noted that the Legion building, constructed in the 1960s, constantly requires updates.
“There’s always things like air conditioners that need to be replaced or furnaces or upgrades to the buildings like washrooms... So we’re always trying to keep on top of what is the next thing coming in.”
Ewert said the goal is always to keep the building welcoming and vibrant.
“I just love going there and seeing people... it’s a great place for our community to be able to get together and to share some laughs and good time. So, we just want to keep it that way. I just really want to recognize the Morden Elks for their donation. It was such a surprise and just, you know, really just an excellent thing.”
Learn more about the Morden Legion here.