President’s message

The Legion … The Big Picture at work in Ontario. What we don’t always see.

I recently along with Andy Moran and Earl MacDonald attended our District B Convention in Burlington.

So often we get caught up in our own Legions and all that goes with that, trying to make it work. We don’t see the “BIG PICTURE”.

Below is what Ontario Legions have contributed to our Veterans, our Youth and our Municipalities throughout Ontario 2023-2024.

This is the “Big Picture” and why we do what we do:

•          Poppy Donations: 2023…….. $9.5-million

•          Veterans Programs  ………. $3.5-million

•          Royal Caribbean Vets…….. $89,500

•          Service Dogs ……..  $2.2-million

•          Medical & Research ……….$600,000

•          Vets Programs  …….$532,000

•          Hospitals, clinics, fire departments, charities: since 1979 ….. $19.6-million

•          Bursary program: 12,634 awards to students …………$7.7-million  

•          Poppy Trust Bursaries ………$634,000

•          Other Donations …………..$2.5-million

•          Local Community Projects ………..$1.4-million

•          Volunteers ………………6,157

•          Full-time part-time employees …………1,141

•          Free use of facilities: occasions in 2023 ……..21,600

•          District B Convention: (various Veteran projects in Ontario ………..$522,000

Thank you to all those members and patrons who support RCL Branch 29 in Paris. You are all the “Heart and Soul” of our Branch.

Roy Haggart

President
RCL Branch 29 Paris 
royhaggart@rogers.com

 ________________________________

The Poppy Campaign

This year’s annual Poppy Blitz is slated for Friday, November 1 and Saturday November 2.

We will have volunteers at Wincey Mills, LCBO and THE Beer store Friday and Saturday, and CDN TIRE, Sobeys, and No-Frills on Saturday.

All shifts are two hours in duration, starting at 10:00 a.m. and end at 6:00 p.m. That is a total of 36 shifts.

As of today, we have 22 shifts covered and we are looking for 14 more volunteers.

Please Comrades – give us a hand by volunteering for a shift. Call the Branch or call Earl MacDonald at 226-387-0729 and I will get back to you.

Earl Mac Donald

Poppy Chair

226-387-0729

This month’s events:

Saturday, November 2. Massive legion sale. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Upstairs Hall. Excellent clothing galore and home décor. See poster below.

Friday, November 16. Cancer Benefit. 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. Music all day

Friday, November 22. Comedy Show. 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the branch. $20 each 

Saturday, November 23. Open pool tournament. 11.30 a.m. registration.

Friday, November 29. Trivia. 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 30. Elimination Draw. 1:00 p.m. TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT.