Local Legion News

Our Legion needs our help

By Simone Rolph - Hope Standard
Published: November 15, 2010 4:00 PM
Updated: November 15, 2010 4:33 PM

Each year on November 11th the community rallies around those who serve and have served to protect our country in times of war. The number of participants in the parade – an entire block long – was inspiring. Following the grand pipers, the wave of red serge, firefighters, rescue volunteers, and our local vets, was a mass of youth from our cadets, to the scouts, to a huge showing by the high school band. Take pride in your participation; you did your community proud.

Where does the Hope Legion go from today? Again to be forgotten for another year?

They welcomed us in for lunch, they fed our kids, and they thanked us for participating in their effort to recognize those who have lost their lives in past and current conflicts.

And the Legion does so much more than organizing the yearly memorial service ---they also support our local vets all year long. They give thousands and thousands of dollars each year back to local community causes – funds raised through their keno and downstairs lounge.

And the Legion is struggling.

With the new drinking driving laws, many of their regulars are staying home, seemingly in fear of the confusing legal blood alcohol limits. The Legion is now locking its doors to its members on Monday and Tuesdays. Without the revenue from its regulars, the Legion is taking a hit. As one Legion executive member noted: Instead of engaging in human interaction, seniors are now alone in their rooms having a drink and learning to gamble on-line.

And with few young people in their ranks, as time passes, the Legion’s customer base is seriously eroding.

So is its ability to aid our community. As advertised, the extremely popular Halloween party for the youth was cancelled this year due to a lack of volunteers.

We must remember that when we pay our respects to a beloved one – the Legion Memorial Hall is our community church. When we celebrate the joining of a young couple, the Legion Memorial Hall is where we rejoice. When we hold our community craft sale, our fundraising gala, and our awards ceremonies, the Legion Memorial Hall is our only large venue. A costly building that we rent for only $275 dollars for the night.

The Hope Legion needs your support. Even if you do not partake in the lounge activities, consider buying a yearly membership in support of the organization beyond the November 11 services.

If you are so inclined, check out the Legion’s facilities and events on-line at www.hopelegion228.ca

The community should march alongside the Legion 365 days a year -- not only in remembrance and respect, but also in support of the Legion volunteers who do so much for our community.