Skip to content

Vernon legion branch experiencing challenges

No executive positions were filled during a meeting Tuesday
78150vernonRoyalcanadianlegion
The Vernon Royal Canadian Legion was unable to elect a new executive Tuesday because of a lack of interest.

It’s not quite a crisis in leadership, but Vernon’s Royal Canadian Legion is experiencing a challenge.

There were no nominations for president during the branch’s general meeting Tuesday, and as a result, the session came to a halt and none of the other executive positions were filled.

“We will look at the membership again and if someone comes forward to be president, we will call a special meeting,” said Ron Heuman, past-president.

If that doesn’t occur, the Royal Canadian Legion’s B.C. command will be consulted for direction.

Without a president and other executive positions filled, there is a core group lacking to make decisions and oversee the branch.

“Every volunteer organization requires an executive,” said Heuman.

The inability to recruit a president is partly a result of a broader issue facing the legion.

The branch’s membership is aging, and many of them are not as active as they once were.

“We need to turn to the youth to take over our ranks,” said Heuman.

There is also the reality that only a small portion of the about 340 members volunteer for a variety of duties.

“As with other organizations, 10 per cent serve 100 per cent,” said Heuman.

The thrust of the legion is to support the needs of veterans, but it also raises funds for local charities.

“On Tuesday, we approved five grants to various organizations,” said Heuman.

The legion is located at 5101 25th Ave. (in the Eagles Hall) and it can be reached at 250-545-3295, or go to https://vernonlegion.com