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December 07, 2016 - 4:48 PM
VERNON - The community has rallied to keep the Vernon Legion going.
Outgoing president Ron Heuman says several people stepped up to fill key positions on the board.
Just last month, Heuman said the legion was having trouble finding people to take on organizational roles, making things uncertain for the branch, which has already scaled back its operations due to financial pressure and falling membership.
“I am very encouraged,” Heuman says. “We had some new faces come out and there was a great deal of interest from the community.”
He’s hoping new members will bring “fresh ideas and get stuff going with the legion.”
As Heuman retires from the position of president, the legion welcomes Bill Balcaen into the role. He served on the board a few years ago as vice president, and after a two-year gap, decided to return.
“There was just no one stepping up and I really didn’t want to see the legion fade away,” he says. “It’s a test every year. There’s just no younger people coming out.”
He says the legion will likely have to adapt in the coming years to survive.
“We would like to expand a bit and generate a little bit more revenue for our general fund,” he says. “We hope to be a little more visible in the community.”
The legion moved out of the building it rented on 29 Street several years ago due to cost pressures, and stopped hosting live music and dances. Instead, it moved into an office setting, sharing a building with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and went back to the basics.
The legion continues to organize the poppy campaign and a weekly meat draw, with all proceeds going to charities such as Santas Anonymous, Kindale, and Teens Count Too, as well as scholarships and bursaries for local students. The legion also acts as an advocate for veterans.
Anyone can join the legion, and all residents are encouraged to get involved. For more information contact legion25@shaw.ca.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2016