The Wakaw Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion received some welcome financial assistance from the federal government to help it cope with pandemic challenges.
The branch received $10,000 after requesting it through an application process involving its Provincial Commnad. The funds will be used for operating costs for the local Legion hall as well as branch activities to support veterans in Saskatchewan.
“I’m very pleased that the Wakaw Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has received this financial assistance,” said Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek, which includes the Town of Wakaw. “Supporting Canada’s veterans is something that I strongly believe in.”
Wakaw Legion Branch President Jack Jones said the organization appreciates the support.
“This financial help will allow our Branch to weather the pandemic for longer and continue to work to support our Veterans and our community,” said Jones. “The pandemic has created much lost revenue from group hall rentals, private hall rentals, and our own fundraising functions in the hall. Further, barring any breakdowns, utilities and insurance alone constitute $1000 a month to operate the branch. Then administrative and maintenance costs as well as janitorial costs which have increased significantly in 2020 due to COVID, cleaning creates its own challenges. This funding goes a long way to relieve the stress of possible closure. That being said, the community of Wakaw and surrounding area has been exceptional in supporting the fundraising we have been able to execute virtually in 2020.”
On November 10, 2020, the federal government announced a $20 million aid package to help Veteran Organizations get through the pandemic of which The Royal Canadian Legion received $14 million. The funds can cover a range of operational items such as insurance, utilities, rent or mortgage, property tax, administration costs and wages, among other needs.
Jones said the funding comes at a critical time.
“The Wakaw Branch is a crucial part of our community and helps to support Veterans province wide,” said Jones. “We provide an affordable venue that people can rent for banquets, family gatherings, and meetings. The hall is important for our own Legion functions around our fundraising efforts. Besides supporting Veterans, each year our branch supports the five schools in our area (Wakaw, Cudworth, St. Louis, St. Isidore De Bellvue, and One Arrow First Nation) with bursaries, Remembrance Day educational supports, and Poster/Literary Contest. We also have supported local athletes in track and field.”
The Royal Canadian Legion, founded in 1925, has about 260,000members and is Canada’s largest Veteran support and community service organization. It is a nonprofit organization with a national reach across Canada as well as branches in the U.S., Europe and Mexico.