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Legion needs more support

Langley branch helps veterans and their families, but has struggles of its own.
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Members of branch 21 of the Royal Canadian Legion were happy to receive a cheque for $2,000 from Teri James of the Downtown Langley Business Association Monday. The funds will pay for 30 more banners honouring veterans in the downtown area, for a total of 70. The Legion is seeking broader support from the community.

Editor: With Remembrance Day observed on Nov. 11 and the Royal Canadian Legion poppy campaign in full swing, this is the time of year when people tend to think about war, peace and those who served their country.

For 86 years, Langley Legion branch 21 has been helping local veterans who bravely risked their own lives in times of conflict, providing them with support and programs.

We are also dedicated to helping others in need in the community. Last year, the branch raised and donated more than $97,000 to six community organizations, assisting everyone from youth to seniors. Our branch also provided close to $25,000 in Poppy Fund donations to local veterans, seniors and families.

The distinct red poppy pins and presence of uniformed Legion members throughout the community during the campaign ensures the public is aware of our fundraising efforts. The continued generosity is greatly appreciated.

Did you know that the money raised through the Poppy Campaign and other fundraisers does not stay within the Legion? All money generated goes directly back to the community. It is our pleasure to serve in this way and help those in need.

The Langley Legion also has its own needs. Our branch does not receive any government funding. We are a non-profit organization that is supported solely by membership dues.

In the past few years, our branch has suffered from financial difficulties caused by unforeseen building repair costs, a sadly declining membership and tough economic times.

Our branch recently received a grant of more than $5,000 from Langley City council. We would like to publicly thank Mayor Peter Fassbender and members of council for this much-needed funding.

We still have a ways to go, and we could use the community’s help.

Legion members are not just veterans of the world wars and their families. We support soldiers involved in Afghanistan and other modern conflicts. Legion members can be men and women, 19 years of age and older. You need not have served in the military or be related to someone who has to join us.

Whether you become a Legion member, come in to our events, attend our fundraisers, or help us with fresh ideas or initiatives that will allow us to continue the work we do for veterans and the community, and all support would be appreciated.

We do not want to close our doors, and are dedicated to addressing our financial challenges. We need to work together to thrive in the future.

Please contact us by e-mail at rcl21@telus.net, by phone at 604 534-3615 or visit us at 20570 56 Avenue.

Shirley Blair, president,

Royal Canadian Legion

branch 21