“Community is huge. Older people need community. They don't all have families close by who can come and visit, so we work at building community. We work at improving the buildings, and that's where the fundraising comes in. It's affordable living for people who are 55-plus, and we’re providing community. So, with that, funds do need to be raised to make sure it all continues.”
This from Chief Administrative Officer Marina Brown. She explains that from their location on North Railway Street in Morden, next to the Royal Canadian Legion, Legion House One and Legion House Two provide 66 suites to over 70 residents.
“The Royal Canadian Legion donated land and built Legion House One in 1981,” shares Brown. “People come to live there who can't necessarily afford to live in a house — they live on their pensions or any retirement funds they may have — so we try to keep rent as low as possible. Legion House One owns itself independently, so whatever money we collect, we can put back into the building.”
Legion House Two was built in 1989 and is owned by Manitoba Housing.
“We run it for them,” says Brown. “We collect their rent, pay their bills, do their upkeep, and send whatever money’s left back to them. They pay the taxes and give us the opportunity to do capital projects through Manitoba Housing.”
Life at Legion House One and Two is infused with community thanks to Activity Coordinator Lynn Penner.
“She brings in such bubbly, joyful activities,” exclaims Brown. “Today they're off to Rosenort and Morris on a bus excursion she’s planned. When we redid our courtyard this summer, she held a party to welcome the new courtyard and 40 people came out for that. The activities that she organizes really bring our community together.”
Brown notes that most people who live at the Legion Houses are independent and enjoy living within easy walking distance of a grocery store, pharmacy, thrift shop, medical clinic, and downtown Morden.
“Everybody here is just thrilled to be so close to everything.”
However, because the buildings were built in the 1980s, they’re beginning to show their age. Brown says that these days they’re very focused on updating the cabinetry in each suite.
“The original cabinets are dark brown. They’re looking pretty grungy and are starting to fall apart, so we’re putting in lighter, brighter cabinets. They make such a difference in these small suites. The brighter you can make the rooms, the better people feel.”
In 2023, Décor Cabinets helped Brown and her team install brand-new cabinets in five units. Then, using funds they’d set aside, they’ve installed four more. Now they’re working toward ensuring every suite has new cabinets. That means they have 20 more suites awaiting this important update. But before they proceed, they’ll need to raise more funds for this effort.
This also isn’t the only project they’re fundraising to accomplish.
“We have a 50/50 going on, hoping to raise $10,000 to put towards cabinets and landscaping – things we can’t provide out of the rent money.”
A fun way to help Legion House raise funds? Bingo. Everyone is welcome to attend bingo in the Club Room at the Royal Canadian Legion in Morden. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and bingo commences at 1:00 p.m. and wraps up around 2:30 p.m. Brown notes you don’t have to be a member of the Legion to participate — everyone is welcome.
Brown says her goal is to enhance residents’ quality of life by making many more improvements.
“The outside of Legion House One is bubbling and starting to peel, so we want to repaint. We’re also working on putting in new flooring. Because it’s getting aged and the carpets are stained, the flooring is worse for wear and really needs to be updated. And then possibly further on, we hope to paint the main areas on the inside. Next year we also hope to complete our landscaping project, to help enhance the overall curb appeal. We're really working hard to improve and make this a great place where you can come and live with pride.”
Donations are very welcome and gratefully accepted. To donate, contact the City of Morden, and they’ll give you a tax receipt.
“In the last four years, we’ve also fixed the elevator and have redone the roof. Residents seem thrilled with the changes we’ve been making. We just need to keep moving forward, building up funds so we can make the buildings look good, and make living here a good experience for all of our residents.”
Legion House is an independent living, 55+ facility. Anyone 55 years of age and older is welcome to apply to live at Legion House. To learn more or to download an application form, visit https://www.legionhouse.ca/live-here.
To make a donation, you can phone Marina Brown directly at 823-4588. You can send your donation directly to the City of Morden and tell them it’s for Legion House and they’ll issue you a tax receipt. Learn more at https://www.legionhouse.ca/.