Royal Canadian Legion branches in Greater Sudbury have been busily preparing for Remembrance Day services across the city, all while facing an unknown future.
During the pandemic, many branches in Canada, including those in the Nickel City, have struggled financially due to closed doors and reduced revenues, which often come from events, hall rentals and food service.
More than 20 branches have been forced to close forever, said Thomas D. Irvine, CD, Dominion President.
Back in July, it was reported by a Kenora Legion that 357 of 1,381 — or about one in four Legions in Canada — were in danger of closing, unless they had help paying their bills.
Now, the federal government has stepped in to offer support, channelling millions from Veteran Affairs Canada to branches across the country to help them cover their operational costs.
Dominion Command, the Legion’s national headquarters, will receive $14 million of a $20-million aid package that was approved earlier this fall through Bill C-4.
“This is amazing news at this time,” said Gisele Pharand, public relations officer for Zone H3, and a member of the Minnow Lake Legion Branch 76. “We hope to hear soon how the money will be rolled out, but we definitely have a smile from ear to ear.”
Having to close their branches in March due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, Legion branches have been coming up with other ways to raise the money they need to operate day to day, and to support veterans with their needs.
“We were doing quite well, people would enjoy the dinners and we had 100 people coming to our dances. Then on March 15, it was all taken away from us,” Pharand said.
“We are trying to keep things positive, we’re still here, we’re still serving our veterans and come hell or high water, we will continue to do that.”
Pharand said the pandemic has forced Legion brass to take another look at their operations, to examine what they are doing, what they should be doing, and take stock of where they are.
“The year 2020 has been a very challenging year,” said Pharand. “Every Legion has its own challenges, but we all face very similar challenges, and we are trying to be innovative to come up with ways to pay the bills at the end of the month.”
A declining membership base hasn’t helped matters, either, she said. At one point, the Minnow Lake Legion had more than 2,000 members. Now the branch has fewer than 400.
It seems the downward trend will continue, Pharand said, as there are fewer people willing to take up the torch.
“It’s a little discouraging,” she said.
Across the city, at Lockerby Legion Branch 564, the situation is a bit different.
Jennifer Huard is the president of Branch 564. She said the Lockerby Legion has been able to raise enough money from month to month that it hasn’t had to take any money out of its operating budget.
“We’re nowhere near closing down,” said Huard. “Our revenue sources came to a halt mid-March, and all we’re trying to do right now is cover our monthly expenses while not using the money we have in our bank account.”
Recently, the Lockerby Legion launched its Lockery Remembers campaign, to rebuild and expand its cenotaph by selling paver stones that will be incorporated into its design. Each paver stone will bear the name of a veteran or Legion member, and sales have been going well, said Huard.
As for membership, last year, 62 new members joined the Lockerby Legion, something they hadn’t seen in years, said Huard. The Legion recently received an award for retaining more than 100 per cent of its members from the year before, and membership is now 250 members strong with 73 veterans in its membership.
When it comes to the new federal funding for Legion operating costs, administration of the funds will be made at the national level, with the funds disbursed by Legion National Headquarters.
“This will be the most expeditious way to get the money where it’s needed,” said Irvine in a press release. “We are ready to get started as soon as possible. This funding will ensure many branches can stay alive, and keep doing the great work they do to help support our veterans and families, their communities and help us continue to promote Remembrance.”
Meanwhile poppy donations in Greater Sudbury have been surprisingly high, said Pharand.
“The poppy funds are in good shape, Sudburians came through for us and our veterans,” she said. “With the pandemic, I was not expecting the level of donations we are seeing this year.”
The Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command is also making it easier for Canadians to donate to the poppy fund through online donations. The proceeds help fund national veteran programs and supports veterans and their families in need.
