All the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #25 Vernon executive wants for Christmas is new members, volunteers and a meeting place.
The organization had been sharing space with the Fraternal Order of Eagles at 25th Avenue hall for many years. But when the Eagles announced they were closing in early 2023, the Legion had to scramble.
Their paraphernalia is being stored at local businesses, and meetings have been held at the old Curves building in the Justice Court Plaza. But that will only last until mid-December.
Fundraising meat draws are being held at the Longhorn Pub every Saturday at 2 p.m., resuming Dec. 16. The draws have been closed for two weeks as Legion executive member, meat draw volunteer Sharon Balcaen, recovers from eye surgery.
“We’re looking for serious volunteers to help with the meat draws and to help with our poppy campaign,” said Sharon, 79, second vice-president of the Vernon Legion executive. Her husband, Bill, 82, is the past president. He and Sharon, and a few other volunteers, looked after the 2023 Legion poppy campaign.
“There were only three routes and we had people sitting at the Superstore, Walmart and Safeway for 13 days, including Bill and myself. That was it,” said Sharon.
“It’s almost depressing,” added Bill. “We don’t like to give up, and we enjoy being part of it.”
Their term on the executive ends Jan. 1, and the Balcaens, who first became Legion members more than 40 years ago when they were living in McBride, plan to remain Legion members and help out with the poppy campaign. Sharon will also train volunteers for the meat draw.
The poppy campaign was organized at an empty space in The Shops at Polson Park, courtesy of Legion office manager, secretary and treasurer Sandra Patterson, who owns and operates Kirby’s Kiosk in the mall. The executive holds the odd meeting in an empty mall space.
Since the Legion has left the Eagles, a home for more than a decade, membership has dropped from close to 250 down to 183.
Legion membership is open to any Canadian citizen or citizen of an Allied nation who is 18 years of age or older.
“It’s $50 a year, you can visit Sandra at the kiosk, and she’ll sign you up right there,” said Sharon as the organization looks for new members and new event volunteers.
If you can help the Legion out with a facility for its meetings, call the Balcaens at 250-545-545-2199 or 250-546-3682.
The Vernon Legion (Branch #25) first opened its doors in 1926. The Royal Canadian Legion is a non-profit Canadian ex-service organization (veterans’ organization) founded in 1925.
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