INNISFAIL — The Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 104, the country’s third largest in membership, has been jolted hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but remains optimistic for its future.
Joan Miller, president of the Innisfail Legion, said the local branch has been able to keep its head above water since the outbreak in March, as it did have a monetary cushion to fall back on.
“We are managing,” said Miller, while admitting it has still been challenging. “Yes, because you are taking money from Peter to pay Paul because you still have bills to pay but we have been managing.”
Miller said since the branch reopened in early June it has been able to bring back some revenues, such as from the pull tickets booth and its popular meat draws and horse races, which returned July 10.
“It has made it nicer for all our members to finally come back,” said Miller, noting the executive decided during the early June reopening to have a maximum of 75 people in its clubroom. COVID-19 social distancing guidelines are still in place.
“Things were quiet. People are slowly coming back and I think they are happy we are open again,” said Miller, noting that while bingos are not back, the legion is looking forward to their return in September.
In the meantime, Miller said the Innisfail Legion has not yet done any long-term planning but there is still an eye on the future despite the uncertain circumstances.
“We are always looking for future things we might be able to do to make us more financial viable.
“Nothing has been brought up or decided upon at this point but we are always open to new ideas,” she said, cautiously aware there could still be a second wave of COVID.
“You can sort of think a month or maybe two ahead but you can be shot down tomorrow if there is a huge upswing,” said Miller, who nevertheless remains optimistic.
“I would say, taking away COVID, we are doing well,” she added. “I am sure we will make it through and see sunshine on the other side.”
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