Cloverdale will be celebrating National Legion Week and Branch No. 6 of the Royal Canadian Legion will hold an open house Sept. 17 to mark the occasion.
Ron Sveinson, publicity chair for Branch No. 6, said the Legion chose Sept. 17 to host their open house because it was the first day of Legion Week and the day is close to Battle of Britain Day (Sept. 15).
“Legion Week is designed to let our community know the good work the Legion does,” said Sveinson. “It gives us the opportunity to share some of the positive ways we proudly give back to our community.”
National Legion Week (Sept. 17 - 23) will be celebrated Canada-wide.
Sveinson said an army of volunteers works to raise money each year that the Legion then donates to the Cloverdale community. One of the biggest fundraising initiatives the Legion undertakes is the annual Poppy Campaign.
He said Branch No. 6 raised $200,000 in 2022 and over the last three they’ve raised roughly $500,000. The money was then donated to local charities, including those that support veterans, youth groups, and students.
SEE ALSO: It takes a Legion: over 90 years, Cloverdale Legion has raised millions for community
“The money is raised by our incredible volunteers who spend hours helping organize and run all the events we put on,” explained Sveinson. “They all deserve our thanks and praise for the great job they do.”
Cloverdale’s open house will in fact be a “parking lot celebration” and will run from 12 - 4 p.m. on Sept. 17. They will have military vehicles and military items on display. There will be entertainment and a variety of information booths. And there will be hot dogs and hamburgers available to all attendees.
Sveinson said he hopes many people stop by to say hello, check out the displays, and have something to eat.
“If you are not one of our over 1,600 members, please take time to ask about membership,” Sveinson added. “Anyone can join and there is no need to be a veteran or a descendent of a veteran. Young people are particularly welcome.”
He said there are many benefits to being a member, including access the Legion’s lounge and events, but perhaps the biggest benefit is to be part of such a big volunteering team that helps out the Cloverdale community.
According to legion.ca, “National Legion Week is designed to educate visitors on the good work their local Branch does in their community. It reinforces the important role branches play in our shared mission to serve and support our Veterans, as well as contribute to the well-being of so many communities.”
