Rick Smith is a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 564 Lockerby, also known as Lockerby Legion. Smith is a veteran and is the public relations officer (PRO) for the branch. He has been instrumental in organizing numerous events for veterans.
He said, “This is the happening Legion.”
There is some friendly competition among the Legion branches for a variety of campaigns throughout the year.
Operation Christmas Cheer was happening during the time of our interview. Smith had just returned to the Legion from the post office, where he had dropped off the 5,252 Christmas cards to be delivered to members of the Canadian Forces, stationed on a Canadian base or serving abroad.
These cards reach the approximately 2,200 deployed overseas with warm holiday wishes. Prepared by local school kids and community members through Lockerby Legion, with pride he remarked that Branch 564 often sends the most cards through this campaign.
“Students were in here helping. It was great! I usually run the Christmas card project and we take first place, for bragging rights, only.”
Working on the new cenotaph, their monthly fish fries, or their Facebook posts, Smith jumps right in where needed.
“We have fundraisers all year long. Fish fry events are always great. COVID stopped a lot, but some (fundraisers) keep us going. We do dinners to fundraise and have different kinds of events. We are always open for veterans and are all run by volunteers. No one gets paid. We do it out of the goodness of our hearts.”
A veteran himself, Smith appreciates the camaraderie and does his best to be of service.
“We are always here to serve the veterans,” he said.
Smith started volunteering to keep busy during his retirement and devotes his volunteer efforts to Lockerby Legion Branch 564.
“When I retired four years ago, I decided to join the Legion. I was with Royal Canadian Regiment 1969-1972 at CFB Petawawa. Army infantry is on the front lines and I was trained for all that work. I wanted to do something to help people, so when I retired, I joined to volunteer my time. Here, we’re all volunteers and are all here to help. If they need something, they call me. It’s a great group of people volunteering, a great membership.”
He spoke of his comrades and those he’s helped with a sense of joy.
“On Veteran Sundays, we have young to old. Some of the veterans we have coming in now are younger. One of our oldest veterans here is about 80. Some of the older veterans who can’t get out much come to the Veterans’ Christmas Supper. For those at home, we deliver the meals. We go out to do a full cenotaph service for seniors every year and have a Remembrance Day service here at our own branch. If someone comes in and needs help, we will help.
“A bunch here volunteer for the Inner-City Wolves 50/50, to raise funds for Inner-City Home of Sudbury’s food bank through the 50/50 draw at Sudbury Wolves games on Friday nights. We’ve raised $22,000.”
Smith genuinely enjoys volunteering, he said, and truly feels good about helping others. The people he interacts with daily mean so much to him, and he believes volunteering is vital to making sure those who need help, get help.
“It warms my heart so much that I get to help someone. To help is what I’m here for today. When I was younger, I had to work. To dedicate my time to the Legion today, I love it!”
Rick Smith’s Words of Volunteer Wisdom
“I would feel bad if there wasn’t anybody to help anyone. Where would they be? What would happen to our veterans? If it weren’t for volunteers, there wouldn’t be any help. That’s why we’re always striving to bring in new volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering can call the branch or drop into Lockerby Legion. I would empower people to get involved with a group that is looking for volunteers, such as a Legion, Knights of Columbus, or whatever interests them. Open your heart up to volunteering and help others in need.”
Erin Medakovic is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury.
