Carnduff’s Royal Canadian Legion branch recently held an awards night. Those planning the evening hoped that three purposes could be accomplished.
First, a provincial grant of $25,000 could be acknowledged. The province supports its legions. They are a tribute to those who have served Canada by fighting for and upholding our rights and freedoms, an ongoing Remembrance Day of sorts.
Legions also pour much into our communities through their poppy and legion funds. In Carnduff, the Legion annually awards a scholarship to a Grade 12 student, helps veterans and their families as they’ve had to move, and even provided a Broda chair to the local seniors’ home. The government feels that to lose a legion is to lose a valued contributor to the community.
Cannington MLA Daryl Harrison was on hand to present the cheque to the Legion.
Second, it provided the Legion the opportunity to catch up in recognizing member service. That’s done with tenure pins but COVID restrictions had caused the Legion to fall behind.
President Terry Kimler’s retirement created a sense of urgency in resuming these recognition services. Failing health had forced him to step down after serving as president for 11 years. Along with his award, close to 40 others were given to those who had recently joined the Legion and to those who had been serving for up to 50 years.
Third, it gave the Legion an opportunity to showcase how the grant had been used and to remind the community that it was fully open for business again.
Built in 1967, significant repairs were needed. Windows were replaced, along with the kitchen floor and the downstairs carpet. Walls and cupboards were also given a new coat of paint.
The night accomplished all three purposes. Although it’s too late for people to join in the recognition aspects of the evening, it’s not too late to see how the grant was used.
If you’re interested in becoming a Legion member, visit legion.ca.
