SUNDRE – Recent talk of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #223 in Sundre considering the possibility of selling its hall was recently put to rest.
“The decision was made by the majority of members to stay,” Comrade Art Dickson, the Sundre branch president, told the Albertan on Nov. 9.
The membership had just gathered earlier that week on Nov. 6 to discuss the legion’s future direction.
“There (previously discussed) was an option of maybe leaving and selling and renting,” said Dickson. “But no, we’re going to keep the building and keep doing what we’re doing. We’re looking for more members of course; that’s the problem.”
In response to being asked if the prior conversations about the possibility of selling the hall might have stemmed from concerns about the Sundre legion’s sustainability, he said, “It’s not the money, it’s not the dollars and cents. It’s just lacking members to participate.”
The Sundre legion has about 90 members. However, a much smaller core contingent of about 20 are regularly active participants, he said.
“So, that’s the issue. And we’re getting older; we just need younger members,” he said. “You got to have volunteers to make it work.”
But that being said, he reiterated that the legion is here to stay and added plans are being considered on upgrading the hall’s exterior and interior.
“We want to make some upgrades inside and out. Especially the outside; it’s time it was re-sided and re-painted,” he said, adding the interior could also use a fresh coat of paint.
That will mean ramping up efforts to seek out and apply for grants and of course continuing fundraising activities. Although the legion from a financial position is in a good place to cover basic operational expenses, he said larger projects such as renovations require additional funding from grants and fundraising.
Coming up next are the local legion’s elections in December.
“We’ve got everything else covered, but we’re looking for a secretary,” he said. “I don’t know if anybody wants to step forward, but that would be great.”
Anyone who might be interested in getting involved is invited to contact Christina Ferguson, the legion’s membership chair, at 403-638-3707.
“If you can’t get a hold of her, get a hold of me,” he said with a chuckle.
Dickson can be reached at 403-638-6300. Email inquiries can also be sent to [email protected].
