Pirjo RaitsThe Chronicle
Almost every community across Canada has a Royal Canadian Legion. It has always been a gathering place for the community and Legions are known for their help and support to veterans and serving Canadian military members. But it is more than that - it is also a community “hall”, recreation space and a place to find folks of like mind.
Legion Week, June 24-30, was created to invite communities into the Legion to see what it is all about.There is more to the Legion than Remembrance Day activities.
For instance…
Did you know that you don’t have to be a military member or an associate of the military to join. Anyone can join.
“We are here to support our community and we are always looking to have more members,” said Diane West, speaking for Branch 171. “It’s a gathering place, tons of people gather on a regular basis.”
West said Branch 171 has 490 members and they could use more. Membership is what is keeping Legions across the country afloat.
Did you know we donated $22,000 to our community last year…(we are on our way this year too..)
“You are all invited down to check us out.”
Here is what the Legion is doing for Legion Week June 24-30, 2016
• Friday, June 24: 4-6p.m. Executive Meat Draw and Member Appreciation.
• Saturday, June 25: 12-3 p.m. Free BBQ, 3-5 p.m. Executive Meat Draw; 8 p.m. dance with Plan B.
• Sunday, June 26: Pancake Breakfast starts at 9 a.m., by donation; 3-5 p.m. Executive Meat Draw.
• Monday, June 27: Crib Night; 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 28: Texas Hold ‘em; 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 29: Darts & Pool; 7 p.m.
But that isn’t all. Sure there are some amped up events for Legion week, but there is plenty going on regularly at the Legion. How about line dancing on Thursday mornings? This takes place during the fall and winter months. Every third Saturday of the month, you can come in and play Music Trivia and enjoy a pub dinner. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday there are meat draws at 4 p.m.
Kids are welcome to come to the Legion with their parents if there is a meal happening, said West.
The Royal Canadian Legion is located at 621 1st Avenue.