Remembering, honouring, and paying respect to our veterans is not something to be practised on Remembrance Day alone, but every day of the year. And for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232, it is.
Although the pandemic has affected the way Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 operates, much of what they were able to do pre-pandemic continued, just in a different manner, says service officer, Betty Smith.
The legion’s dinners and luncheons were offered as take-out only, including packaged meals delivered by volunteers.
The branch reopened its doors to the public in September and they once again offer meals for eat-in or take-out every third Thursday. They will be hosting a roast beef dinner later this month and are planning a turkey dinner for Christmas. Smith hopes that events such as these will bring more people out to the legion in the coming months.
The legion is following COVID-19 protocols, including practising proper social distancing and require proof of double vaccination for entry.
“We want to keep our veterans and their families safe, we want to keep everybody safe,” Smith says. “We really want to make sure that when we invite a veteran into our branch, that it’s as safe as safe can be.”
About half of the attendees at dinners and events are veterans, with spouses, families, and caregivers comprising the rest. About half of the 50 or so that take part have chosen to continue with the take-out option.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 also conducts a “Veterans’ Monthly”, a wellness check-in with each veteran once a month by phone or email to see if there is anything they need and to inform them of upcoming meals and events. The Veterans Monthly was especially crucial and beneficial during the pandemic, as most veterans were isolated. These checks helped them feel connected and let them know that help is still out there should they need it.
Branch 232 also participates in the annual Poppy Fund campaign, funds from which purchase necessities for veterans, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental care, and wheelchairs.
Each Christmas, Branch 232 purchases and delivers pajamas, socks, and blankets for every veteran in Huntsville nursing homes, and the legion’s ladies auxiliary supplies sweatshirts. In previous years, the volunteers were able to see and spend time with the veterans when they delivered the items; during the pandemic, they’ve been dropped off at the door.
“It’s a nice feeling to give to these veterans but it’s also a way to show them that they don’t have to be afraid to call us when they need something,” Smith says.
This past winter, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 hosted a new and unprecedented event: a large bonfire in the legion parking lot. The turnout was impressive and veterans from as far as Newmarket were in attendance.
“We supplied the hamburgers and hot dogs and the fire and the veterans themselves supplied the social aspect,” Smith says. “It was really good for them to see other veterans and talk. We think it’s important that they get hooked up with other vets.”
Events such as these are important milestones, as they help instill a sense of community among veterans and enforce the idea that the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 is always a place where they are welcome.
“We provide a safe haven, a location of privacy for veterans to come in,” Smith says. “They always feel safe, they always feel like we’re here to help.”
Smith vehemently urges any veteran, or the spouse of a deceased veteran, to reach out if they are in need of anything and for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 to be their first point of contact for any of these needs.
“That’s what we’re here for, we’re here to help and support veterans in any way we can,” Smith says. “The legion’s door and phone line is always open.” She can be reached at 705-789-4641.
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