ELORA – This is the third year Canada is recognizing National Legion Week and this year it runs from Sept. 21 to 27.
The idea is to educate visitors about the work Legions do in their communities and the shared vision to support veterans after or during their military careers.
The Elora Legion held an open house last year for Legion Week but decided, with such a popular and well-attended weekly calendar of events, they’d simply open their doors to the public this year.
“It seems people like to drop in rather than attend an open house,” president Don Cubbidge said in an interview. “So we’re holding events for our members and inviting non-members to come too.”
Events in Elora during Legion Week include:
– Sept. 23, 7pm, euchre;
– Sept. 25, noon, men’s euchre; 7pm, drop in darts;
– Sept. 26, 2pm, open jam with the No Name band; 8pm, karaoke; and
– Sept. 27, 7pm, live music by Dust and Glory in the Maple Leaf Room. Cost $10; 8pm, karaoke in the Club room.
“These events are so popular, we don’t want to shut them down to do something different,” Cubbidge said.
Legions began to form after the First World War. Elora Legion Branch 229 was chartered in 1932 and next year marks the 100th anniversary of the national institution.
Originally members had to be war veterans and they would hold an “ordinary” membership. Then children and grandchildren of vets were allowed to join as associated members. And now anyone with an interest in the Legion is able to join as an affiliated member.
“About 65 per cent of our membership are now associates or affiliates,” Cubbidge said, noting many of the Second World War veterans have died and veterans currently with the miliary don’t have the time for volunteering at the legion.
“The average vet is now 44, married with two kids,” he said. “The Legions aren’t on their radar anymore.”
Last year Branch 229 raised $29,000 and distributed $25,000 to community groups. The balance was used to cover costs.
The clubhouse at 110 Metcalfe Street is large enough, Cubbidge said and the banquet hall can accommodate 200 people.
For more information, call 519-846-9611.
