The Duncan Legion 2024 poppy campaign raised $44,000 through their poppy and wreath sales, $1,600 of which were raised from the tap machines located at their tables in Walmart and Canadian Tire alone, and the Legion would like to thank the community for the tremendous support.
All funds raised are used solely to support veterans, last year the Duncan branch was able to provide donations to the Sea, Air and Army Cadets, the Food Basket Society, Cowichan Green Community for Meals on Wheels, the Hospital Foundation, Honour House, PADS (service dog training), and the Cowichan Hospice Society. Funds also went to the Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society to purchase Robotic Pet Companions for veterans.
The branch service officer, who assists veterans in filling out their paperwork to receive aid from Veterans Affairs Canada, are also allotted funds to assist veterans in need within the community which are aimed to help with rent, groceries, phone bills, and other necessities until VAC can help. Five $1,000 bursaries were presented to graduating students who had parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents that served in the military.
This year's funds will also allow for the 'Buddy Check Coffee Program' where all veterans, whether Legion members or not, are invited to a monthly coffee social. Date and locations are to be announced. Veterans can also stay social with one another through the Veterans Luncheon hosted by the branch in fall.
"The RCMP volunteer to serve and to socialize with the vets," said branch president Suzanne Anderson. "This year they presented each vet with a challenge coin in honour of the opening of their new detachment."
Military, RCMP veterans and their families are able to join the Legion for one-year at no charge, for more information email info@br53.rclbcy.ca.
"You don't have to be a veteran to join the Legion, you only need a desire to help veterans in our community," said Anderson.
