Walk into Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Westlock on just about any day of the week and you’ll find members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary in the kitchen preparing for their next fundraising event, just as they have for the last 80 years.
The Legion Ladies Auxiliary, an often overlooked partner in the operations and activities of the local Legion branch, is coming to the forefront as the group encourages new members to come forward to carry on the some of the traditions started as far back as the First World War.
The Ladies’ Auxiliary originated in those war-time years. Women would help wounded veterans returning home and provide supports for their families.
When The Royal Canadian Legion was established in 1926, these women were a welcomed addition at Legion branches as they continued the tradition of volunteering to support needy ex-service personnel and to enrich the programs and activities of the branch.
The local Ladies Auxiliary signed its charter Nov. 29, 1940 and has been providing support for the legion and the community ever since.
“We’ve been here ever since. Lots of the Ladies’ Auxiliaries are closing, but we’re active,” said auxiliary member Avril Campbell, who also works for the local legion branch.”
“We count on their fundraising, their catering, their income to help pay the utilities and help pay the insurance and help pay for all that stuff.”
Catering is a large part of the group’s fundraising efforts and a biweekly supper is held in support of the legion. Community groups are often compensated for helping out during the auxiliary events, for instance, the St. Mary School athletics program was the most recent recipient of a $1,500 contribution from the auxiliary.
The group has also recently committed to providing $5,000 for two organizations involved with the study of type 1 diabetes.
For all the good they do in the community though, members of the Ladies Auxiliary are aging. Membership has dropped from over 100 at its peak to 50. Just 11 of those members are regularly able to share the work in preparing for functions.
“We’re struggling with how to get younger members. How do we get younger people to join?” asked Helen Hennessy, a member since 1975.
“If we had younger members then we could definitely do something. We need some new ideas, some enthusiasm. The average age of members is between 70 and 80,” said Campbell, who joined right out of high school in 1967.
Hennessy joined because her father-in-law was a veteran.
“After he passed away, his widow was supported. The legion supported her as long as she had children going to school. Supporting veterans was my main goal,” she said.
Irene Smith’s husband was a veteran, but her mother was also heavily involved in providing support for the troops during the war, so she grew up with that giving spirit.
“I grew up around that and knew some people around here were involved so I just joined,” said Smith.
All three women stressed that it’s not all about work though, the auxiliary is always looking for ways to have fun and are considering a bowling team or excursions around the region as a way to get people to come out.
