ATHABASCA, WESTLOCK - Like a lot of non-profit organizations out there, the Royal Canadian Legion has had a hard time keeping afloat since branches across the country were forced to close their doors in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, but there are still signs of life in Athabasca and Westlock, and members are hoping for a return to normal as soon as possible.
“It has been quite a hit,” said Athabasca Branch #103 president Brian Scott.
Thursday night darts and cribbage, Friday night dinners and Saturday meat draws are all big fundraisers for the Athabasca Legion, but have all been cancelled since the closure was mandated.
While there have been some discussions about beginning to organize regular events at the Legion, Scott is wary of opening the doors up to members, many of whom are elderly and especially susceptible to COVID-19. He said he is hearing different things from different members on the topic of re-opening.
“We obviously don’t want to put them in a position where they have to worry about getting sick,” said Scott. “We’re playing it safe right now and trying to keep our operating costs to a minimum.”
At Branch #97 in Westlock, president Paul Taverner says they have been trying to hold events in the last few weeks with social distancing and other precautions in mind. A few suppers have already been held there and even a Bingo, but only four were allowed at a table, whereas eight to 12 are usually seated at one table.
“Last week we were able to get some people who wanted to play Bingo, so we did make some money and had a lot of happy Bingo players. They’ve been chomping at the bit,” he said, adding Bingos and suppers are the most popular events to use the hall as a venue and contribute a significant amount of money to the Legion’s operations.
“We’re following all the regulations and we’re having a time of it,” he said. “We’re surviving, and we’ll get through this. I just hope there will be a vaccine or something soon and then we can slowly pick it up. It’s not going to be fast because everything is very tentative.”
Taverner also said the branch has been able to take advantage of the down time to replace the flooring in the hall and install vinyl planking to replace it.
“We needed it, the rug hadn’t been changed for 15 years,” he said.
There are also new fronts to the entry doors and the stage, as well as a new custom-made podium.
The biggest day of the year for the Royal Canadian Legion is fast approaching, with Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. Scott said he expects the annual Poppy Campaign fundraiser to go ahead as normal.
He does expect to see smaller numbers than in the past though. And as for the annual ceremonies that take place in communities across the country to remember those who have served, that is all up in the air right now.
“The big thing, at this point, is if we had to have Remembrance Day today, we couldn’t because of the amount of people that normally attend at the Multiplex, so I don’t know what’s going to happen with that in the fall,” Scott said.
Chris Zwick,TownandCountryToday.com
