Despite not having a home, the Vernon Legion is working to continue important traditions and ceremonies.
“It’s hard to do my job when you’re homeless,” said Sandra Patterson, branch treasurer and poppy campaign chairperson.
The local Legion lost its 25th Avenue home in March when the Eagles building it had been sharing was put up for sale. Roost Solar has purchased the building, which is undergoing renovations.
Therefore Patterson has been running operations out of Kirby’s Kiosk in Polson Mall, which she now owns.
“And currently we are meeting at the gym my daughter works at,” she said, while going through storage to collect poppy trays and wreaths ahead of Remembrance Day.
Despite the running around, the Legion is all set, but could use some more volunteers to help out.
Volunteers, Scouts and Cadets will be out around town offering poppies by donation. Poppy trays are also be set up at various locations, including The Morning Star.
The Armstrong Legion is also busy with poppy sales now underway ahead of the Remembrance Day ceremony at Hassen Arena, 11 a.m. (doors open 10:30 a.m.)
Remembrance Day services will be held at both the Coldstream Cenotaph and the Lavington Cenotaph on Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m., followed by refreshments at the respective fire halls.
Remembrance Day is still a go in Vernon with the parade at Kal Tire Place on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Doors open at 9 a.m.
Those who are interested in volunteering can see Patterson at Kirby’s Kiosk.
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