President’s Message:
Joe Gowing – President@Prestonlegion.ca
Hello Comrades,
Coming into Remembrance season as well as Christmas time it is a very busy time at the Legion and our branch. Our Poppy committee is hard at work getting out the poppy boxes and setting up people to canvass at stores and the Mall. We are still short on people volunteering for spots so please reach out to Sherrill at Poppy@PrestonLegion.ca and see where and when we need people to fill spots.
I will remind our members of our oath, “active participation in the Poppy Campaign,” as Members of the Royal Canadian Legion. We have them set into 2 hours shifts (if you can do more, please do) but if everyone can give 2 hours for the next 2 weeks we will have the most successful campaign ever. If you can’t stand, we have a booth at the Cambridge Centre that you can sit and man. If you don’t feel comfortable out in the public, we always need people to count the boxes as they come into the branch. We need people to help setup the Hall for our Banquet on Nov 11. We have something for everyone. So please reach out to find out what you can do.
We are finding, with the times we are in, more and more Veterans are needing assistance and without your support in helping raise funds for our campaign, we will not be able to help those in need.
December is going to be fun and exciting as well. See the Calendar insert for all the activities we will be having.
If you haven’t yet, please visit our website and sign up to receive information from the branch. www.prestonlegion.ca.
Thank you all and I look forward to seeing you at the branch.
1st Vice President & Entertainment:
Al Clark – 1VP@prestonlegion.ca
Comrades,
Myself and my committee have been hard at work booking new and exciting entertainment. We have just started with Horse races in the lounge. Our first one was a huge success and extremely fun.
He have Mike Woods that will be playing in the lounge (see calendar) as well we will be hosting New Years eve party again this year. We sold out last year and I’m sure we can do it again. Tickets will be available shortly so stay tuned for that announcement.
If anyone is interested in helping on my Entertainment committee, please reach out to me, 1VP@PrestonLegion.ca. We could always use the help in finding talent, coming up with new ideas and booking our entertainment.
Remember that our Poppy Campaign has started, and we need volunteers. All we are asking for is 2 hours of your week to support our veterans, this is why we exist. Sign up sheets are in the lounge or email poppy@prestonlegion.ca
Thanks and I will see you at the branch, Lest we Forget.
2nd Vice President & House & Grounds:
Brian Patterson
The House and Ground Volunteers and I have been busy with repairs and maintenance on our building to keep it running and open. We could always use more volunteers if you are interested, please reach out to me.
The Building Committee is moving along. We have done some significant groundwork and are closer to coming to a recommendation for General Membership. Stay tuned.
Seniors:
Myra Plantz
Thank you to all the Seniors for attending the last dances. We have had great success. We have been having a lot of fun with everyone that has attended. I’d like to personally thank my Volunteers; Marg, Jim, Gwen, and Katie. Without your help it wouldn’t be possible.
Next Dances are:
Nov 17
Dec 15
The Craft, Bake and Garage Sale was a huge success. Thank you to my Volunteers, Fred, Carol, Deb M, and Deb W. You were a big help in making this successful.
Thursdays Euchre 12:30pm start $5.00 to play. We have grown from 4 people to now over 40! There is always more room for anyone that wants to come out and play.
Secretary/ Membership
Debbie Page-Bruce - secretary@presonlegion.ca
Hey Folks, don’t forget to RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP now during our EARLY BIRD MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL CAMPAIGN which ends very soon. All membership renewals plus 5 year memberships will be eligible for 1 of two $50.00 Legion gift certificates from September 01st to November 30th, 2024. The winners will be drawn at our December 07th, 2024 meat draw.
Since this is our last TORCH until the new year, 2025, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! Please reach out to me if you are interested in putting your name forward as a volunteer. We have a list of people that I manage that we reach out to on occasion to help out where needed. So, if you are interested, please reach me at secretary@Prestonlegion.ca
Thank you all for your support; wouldn’t be able to do without you.
SGT AT ARMS
Bob Bruce
Joe Gowing on behalf of Bob Bruce
It is with a sad heart that I need to inform you that I have received and accepted Bob Bruce’s resignation as Sgt at Arms due to health reasons. He will be missed around the executive table. Though knowing his wife, he will still be active in Volunteering. He is a great leader, and he will have big shoes to fill. We wish him well.
Terry Smith has agreed to step in for Bob until next year’s election.
Bar Manager
Brian Arn
Hello all. The lounge is doing fine, and more things are happening such as horse races and Elvis this past weekend and more planned so drop in check the calendar out and do not forget about our Vets. this month. Lest we Forget.
Veteran Service Officer
Terry Smith -VSO@PrestonLegion.ca
Hello Comrades,
As we get into the colder weather and holidays in December it is crucial that we get out and support our veterans. Poppy Campaign has started, and we need your support in raising funds for us to be able to give Veterans the support they need. Without the poppy funds I would not be able to help our local veterans that need rent assistance, toiletries or even a meal or medical supplies.
This year I will be leading the Remembrance Day parade, and I could use some Legion members to carry flags as we march or if you just want to join us in marching from the Branch to the Cenotaph that is good to. If you are interested, please reach out to me at VSO@PrestonLegion.ca
(If you are a Veteran in need of assistance or know one, please contact Terry Directly)
Poppy/ Bursary/ Youth Ed Chair:
Sherrill Hyde
Well, it's that time of year again. Poppy Campaign has begun. The Poppy campaign started Oct . 25th and will end on Nov. 11th. This campaign is 3 weeks long this year. Although, volunteer canvassers are decreased from last year, we have managed to deposit over $12,000 into the Poppy Trust Fund to date. We really need to have more volunteer canvassers sign up. Our Veterans benefit from the increased donations that we make to different Veteran programs and greatly appreciate the efforts made by the volunteers.
November 11th, Remembrance Day, we will have a parade from the Branch on Westminster Dr. North to the Cenotaph on King Street for a Remembrance service. After the service, we parade back to the Branch for lunch and comradeship.
That night, we host a Remembrance Day dinner. Doors open at 5 with dinner at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome. Tickets will be available at the bar. Veterans and caregivers are free as our honored guests.
YOUTH EDUCATION REPORT
I'm waiting on Poster / Literacy submissions from the schools.
BURSARY REPORT
Legion.ca for application
Sports:
Jeff Whittaker – sports@prestonlegion.ca
Happy November/ December all! Cornhole and darts are picking up on Thursday and Fridays, but we can always use more players. I see people playing pool on different days and nights. Come on in and sign the sheets or email me at the branch sports@PrestonLegion.ca. I’ll add your name and contact info to my list. Let’s get together and have some fun challenging each other. Still looking for 8-ball players for Tuesday 7-9 and snooker players for Wednesday 7-9 (if you are good at snooker maybe you can show me how to play better ha-ha)
Monday Afternoon: Shuffleboard (1-3pm)
Tuesday Evening: 8-Ball (7-9) Waiting for interest
Wednesday Evening: Snooker (7-9) Waiting for interest
Thursday Evening: Cornhole
Friday Evening: Darts
See you all soon.
