The Tsawwassen and Ladner branches of the Royal Canadian Legion have had the support of hundreds of volunteers over the years.
The Ladner Legion has been supporting veterans as well as local organizations and charities for 86 years. The Legion raises money from its many special events, everything from live music and dances every weekend to its biggest fundraiser, the May Days beer garden in Memorial Park, Some volunteers have been with the branch for over 30 years.
While the club would not mind seeing a greater number of younger members volunteering at its events, other dedicated members have been regularly helping out with the meat draws that have been taking place every weekend for nearly 15 years. "The Legion couldn't run without volunteers," says Jacky Hillairet, manager of the Ladner Legion. "We might as well shut the doors without them."
Volunteers have lent a hand with organizing pancake breakfasts and Sunday dinners, such as the upcoming Mother's Day steak and crab feast. During the holidays, volunteers assist with putting together Christmas hampers for those in need. As one of its major fundraisers, the Ladner Legion hopes to continue with the success of its games department, which includes ongoing draws and raffles.
Members at the Tsawwassen Legion also put on meat draws and jam sessions on the weekends with a live band. Earlier this year, the branch organized and hosted a Super Bowl party and a Valentine's Day dinner for its members. The Tsawwassen Legion has served the community for more than two decades and has made over $250,000 in donations to worthwhile outreach programs.
The Tsawwassen Legion has made recent donations to Honour House Society, Delta Hospital Foundation, George Derby Centre, Amos Ferguson Manor, Delta Mental Health, Hurricane Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Boys and Girls Club and other worthy outreach programs.
During the holiday season, volunteers take part in the annual toy drive benefit concert, which raises cash and a truckload of toys for Deltassist's Toy Depot, as well as fill and deliver Christmas hampers to needy recipients in Delta.
