BARRHEAD-The Barrhead Royal Canadian Legion will have less money to help veterans and other senior causes due to what is expected to be a sharp decline in both wreath and poppy sales.
That is what Barrhead Royal Canadian Legion president John Tiemstra told the Barrhead Leader.
Every year the local branch donates money to organizations such as Hillcrest Lodge, the Barrhead Healthcare Centre, Barrhead Continuing Care Centre and other organizations who help veterans, but this year Tiemstra suspects those cheques will be much smaller.
"We know local businesses are hurting, so we've tried to keep the cost of our wreaths down and that is going to make an impact in what we collect," he said.
However, the bulk of what the campaign brings in is mostly through poppy sales.
"I don't think we will come even close to what we usually bring in," he said.
He added they have fewer boxes out in the community and they do not have their usual volunteers who set up shop at a local business.
The branch also decided against participating in the Legion's digital poppy campaign that allows people to download and customize a poppy that can be displayed on a variety of electronic devices. The Royal Canadian Legion unveiled the program last year.
"It is an idea and it bears more research," Tiemstra said, adding he doesn't see it working for smaller communities.
He added that as it sits, he believes it would negatively impact Legions in rural communities fundraising abilities.
"To be able to use the electronic stuff, there is a $1,500 cost upfront, then there is a 2.9 per cent fee on any money that you take in. Then you have to pay 30 cents for every transaction," he said. "For a small, rural Legion, you would be cutting into their profit, which is already so small and even less money would be going to veterans."
The virus will also take a big cut in the Legion's general revenue. After being forced to be closed through a combination of licensing issues and Alberta Health Services (AHS) and public health restrictions, Barrhead's Legion was finally able to open its door, but only a few weeks later they have decided to close for the foreseeable future. The decision will be re-examined in the New Year.
"We are so concerned about our seniors," Tiemstra said, noting seniors make up the bulk of the Legion's membership and customers. "We don't want to risk infecting anyone. And seniors don't want to come out. They are scared and I don't blame them."
Bright side
When the Legion does open its doors again, they hopefully will have an added attraction.
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) commission has approved the Legion's application for Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) in its downstairs lounge. He said there is still some work to be done upgrading the building's wiring before they can be installed.
"It is going to be a journey, but in the long run it will benefit the Legion," he said.
Tiemstra added the Legion, like many across the country, are struggling.
"We are better than a lot of branches, we have enough to pay our bills, but we hope the VLTs will give us a reliable source of cash flow," he said.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
