A new face leads Legion Ladies Auxiliary

Times Contributor 

 

Modest and soft spoken, Coleen Cameron verified that she was elected the Legion 10 Ladies Auxiliary President. This is her first year serving as President, but she has been involved with the Legion for a long time. She moved to Strathmore six years ago. Cameron said she likes being involved, due to the good feeling helping gives her and the smile it puts on the face of Veterans.

“It’s our priority to look after all the Veterans,” said Cameron. “We have our freedoms and it has a lot to do with the sacrifices they made.”

She said the Ladies Auxiliary hosts a special luncheon twice a year, where the Veterans are bused in from the Colonel Belcher in Calgary. Sometimes there are special military tributes that the ladies help coordinate, such as the Vimy Celebration that was held on April 9, 2012. Members also help with the branch poppy drive in November. But aid for the military isn’t their only role. 

The members often coordinate funeral and anniversary celebrations for people in the community. She said the auxiliary members visit the Lodge and do fundraising through teas, bake sales and special events. They hold brunch at the memorial hall in Strathmore every third Sunday of the month between 9 a.m. -11 a.m. They also help with the Heritage breakfast and put on a Harvest Dinner in the fall. Membership is not all work and no play, as there are social activities within the group as well. Members recently attended a special dinner put on by local fire crews, thanking them for their help with a fire fundraiser. Anywhere a helping hand is needed, you may see a Legion Ladies Auxiliary member.

“There is a lot of comradeship and fellowship. It is not all work. It is just what you want to put into it,” said Cameron.

One of the challenges for her new term is to increase membership. Cameron said they would like to have more young women involved. Interested parties don’t necessarily need to have military background in the family, as members would be willing to sponsor membership for those interested in service. She said some people think they must dress in uniforms. Cameron said it is available, but up to each individual’s discretion. Anyone interested in joining the group, need only to drop into the Memorial Hall and leave their number with someone in the office or bar, and contact will be made.