Legion closed but still offering support to veterans

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Legion will continue to be a mainstay of the community despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.
While Strathmore’s Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch 10 has closed to the public due to concerns about COVID-19, the organization will continue to support veterans and their families, said Alan Auger, branch president.
“Just because we closed our doors for the public doesn’t mean that we aren’t here to help veterans needing assistance,” he said. “Our doors are still open in that manner.”
The branch was not mandated to close, but the organization decided to play it safe, said Auger.
“With our current license – because we are licensed differently than other bars – we could have stayed open,” he said. “But we just felt for everyone’s safety, we would close for now.”
The organization’s executives will still be working to help veterans looking for assistance, whether it be financial relief or help communicating with Veterans Affairs Canada, said Auger.
The branch is keeping updated on information about the situation from Veteran Affairs Canada as provided by legion command, he said. Command offices remain staffed, but no appointments are being accepted until further notice and anyone able to work from home is being encouraged to do so, as per the RCL website.
RCL Branch 10 generates funds to support veterans through various fundraising events, including dart tournaments, meat draws and a Valentine’s disco. The group raised about $2,000 from its recent St. Patrick’s Day 50/50 draw, despite having to cancel the actual celebration, said Auger.
The organization is still planning on doing fundraising “here and there,” while many are laying-low to slow the spread of COVID-19, he added.
While the organization’s mandate is to support military and RCMP veterans and their families, anyone can join the organization online at portal.legion.ca/join-the-legion.
The Strathmore Legion can be contacted at 403-934-5519, via email at rcl10@shaw.ca, or through the branch Facebook page.