SUNDRE — The Royal Canadian Legion Sundre Branch No. 23 has enough reserves to continue operating for the foreseeable future, say officials.
However, fundraising difficulties resulting from pandemic complications combined with a lack of volunteers could potentially spell the end.
“As far as COVID-19 is concerned, I don’t think it would be the cause of us closing,” said Christina Ferguson, president. “The only reason we would close is because we don’t have enough volunteers to take on the positions that are required to keep the legion going."
Out of nearly 70 members, perhaps 15 to 20 could be considered active, she said recently during a phone interview.
“So that’s our biggest concern," she said.
But she added the pandemic has created a substantial financial impact in its wake.
“We no longer can have funerals, because we have no way of limiting the number of people that come into the building,” she said, adding adhering to protocols with a limited number of volunteers, many of whom are considered among those most at-risk of COVID complications, is logistically unfeasible.
The legion does not charge a rental fee for the hall to host funerals, instead asking for donations, she said.
“So, with no funerals there are no donations. We’re not renting the hall out to other organizations or individuals, because we’re not clear on exactly what we can or cannot do," she said.
Meanwhile, monthly expenses must still be paid, she said, adding that ncertainty surrounding provincial regulations has not helped.
“We don’t know exactly what Alberta Health Services will, and will not, allow us to do," she said.
Ferguson said despite several attempts, she'd had no luck reaching AHS for information clearly outlining procedures beyond restrictions such as a maximum of 50 people gathered for indoor events.
The legion’s capacity depends on arrangements — standing, seating, or tables, she said. Regardless, without clear safety instructions, the legion remains reluctant to open its doors, she added.
“We don’t want to put anybody into jeopardy by coming to a function. And that is our biggest fear, is that even if we did open, and somebody got COVID, would they come back on the Legion and say, ‘You didn’t clean properly!’”
Despite the challenges, she anticipates the Sundre legion will be able to remain open for the time being.
“Fortunately we had a casino last year. It’s helping us to pay our monthly bills. But it will only last for a very finite, limited period of time," she said.
How long those funds last depends, she said.
“We have just had to have our boiler repaired, so that took a big chunk of money out," she said. "So, I would say we have about between a year and a year and half — forgoing any other emergencies that come up."
The pandemic “has pretty well shut us down until either a cure or a vaccine or something has come up. We don’t feel comfortable in allowing a large number of people into hall.”
