M.P. Nater Announces Support for Local Legions

For Immediate Release

Perth—Wellington, ON — John Nater, Member of Parliament for Perth—Wellington is pleased to finally announce the allocation of long-awaited emergency support funds for nine local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion.

“Like many organizations, Legion Branches have been devastated by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Unable to hold events or rent their facilities, the organizations have lost almost their entire revenue in 2020. Last June, I wrote to the Minister of Veterans Affairs to advocate for immediate financial support for our Legions. In October, having not received a reply, I wrote the Minister again” said Nater.

On November 10th the Government announced new funding to create a temporary Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund (VOESF). $14 Million has been designated for legions. Veterans Affairs Canada has made the Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters responsible for distributing the funds. Nine branches in Perth—Wellington submitted applications and all have been approved for funding through Phase One of the VOESF disbursement.

Quotes

“We are very fortunate none of the branches in Perth—Wellington was forced to close permanently in 2020. Unfortunately for some other branches across Canada, the support did not arrive soon enough. I am hoping this funding will allow our local legions to continue to serve Veterans and our communities while honouring the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers.”

– John Nater, Member of Parliament for Perth—Wellington

“The Veterans Organization Emergency Funding, in concert with support garnered from the local community by ordering takeout food, has aided in filling the revenue shortfalls our Branch has experienced and has allowed us to keep the lights on.”

– Paul Clark, Treasurer, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 128 (Mitchell)

“Until we can become profitable again, the Veterans Organization Emergency Funding will help to pay ongoing expenses like utilities and insurance. This will allow our Branch to continue our work for veterans, seniors and youth in our community.”

– Ken Thompson, President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 134 (Mount Forest)

“The Veterans Organization Emergency Funding has helped our branch continue to pay our month to month obligations, allowing us to reopen and resume our regular services whenever possible.”

– John Dalley, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 226 (Arthur)

“The money provided by the Veterans Organization Emergency Funding will make up for thousands of dollars in lost revenues and will go a long way towards putting us in the position to be able to afford previously planned renovations, and it is most certainly appreciated.”

– Tom Jenkins, President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 236 (St. Marys)

“Until we can become profitable again, the Veterans Organization Emergency Funding will help to pay ongoing expenses like utilities and insurance. This will allow our Branch to continue our work for veterans, seniors and youth in our community.”

– Casey Fraser, Poppy Chair, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 259 (Listowel)

“The Veterans Organization Emergency Funding has allowed our branch to makeup for pitfalls in revenue. Furthermore, this funding will allow our Branch to continue supporting local Veteran Services, and Senior and Youth organizations in the future rather than playing catchup with our bills.”

– Hugh Clunas, President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 296 (Harriston)

“The Veterans Organization Emergency Funding has made up for losses in revenue and will facilitate the opening of our Branch in 2021. The federal funding will also allow us to continue much needed upgrades for our kitchen.”

– Christine Stanley, Treasurer, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 416 (Drayton)

“This financial aid will allow our Branch to weather the Pandemic for longer and continue to work to help our Veterans and our Community in many ways. We endeavor to be available whenever the need arises with the most significant focus on Veterans.”

– Marilyn Dale, President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 565 (Milverton)

 

Perth—Wellington Legion Branches VOESF Recipients

Stratford, Branch 8:                     $10,845.05
Mitchell, Branch 128:                  $10,845.05
Mount Forest, Branch 134:        $10,845.05
Arthur, Branch 226:                    $10,000.00
St. Marys, Branch 236:               $10,845.05
Listowel, Branch 259:                 $10,845.05
Harriston, Branch 296:               $10,845.05
Drayton, Branch 416:                    $3,476.00
Milverton, Branch 565:               $10,845.05

TOTAL                                             $89,391.35

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