The Royal Canadian Legion and Ladies Auxiliary of Port Arthur Branch 5 made generous donations to seven deserving community organizations in Thunder Bay during the holiday season.
The Ladies Auxiliary played a significant role in these efforts, donating $1,500 to the Dayna Elizabeth Karle Addiction Recovery Foundation (DEK Foundation) to aid its mission of supporting addiction recovery. They also provided a hamper of food and a $3,000 cheque to the Regional Food Distribution Association, helping address food insecurity during the festive season. Additionally, the Auxiliary contributed $1,000 to the Parade of Lights, a cherished community event.
In partnership with the Ladies Auxiliary, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary of Port Arthur Branch 5 presented $1,100 to the Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association’s (TBPFFA) Toys for Tots 2024 Campaign. The TBPFFA expressed heartfelt gratitude for their annual contributions, emphasizing that such support enables them to brighten the holiday season for local children.
Port Arthur Branch 5 also presented a $2,500 cheque from the Poppy Trust Fund to the 2294 and 2511 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps at their Christmas Mess Dinner on December 19. George Romick, First Vice President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5, explained that the Poppy Trust Fund consists of donations collected during the annual Poppy Campaign in November and is used to support veterans, their families, and the local Cadet Corps. The branch emphasized its longstanding commitment to supporting Army, Sea, Air, and Navy League Cadets in Thunder Bay.
Another $4,000 cheque was presented to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation to purchase a HugAire Blanket Warmer Cabinet for the Post Coronary Intervention Unit patients to use. Lastly, Branch 5 presented a cheque for $10,000 from the Poppy Trust Fund to the St. Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay. This money will be used to buy a Bolero Bath Lift for the patients at Bethammi Nursing Home. Both the foundation and the nursing home are sure to appreciate this gift.
The Royal Canadian Legion, founded by Veterans for Veterans, advocates for the care and benefits of all who have served Canada. It offers free assistance and services to veterans, including Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP personnel, and their families. With over 1,400 branches nationwide, the Legion strengthens communities by supporting veterans, seniors, and youth while providing spaces for celebration and volunteerism.
The Ladies’ Auxiliary, a separate non-profit organization, works alongside the Royal Canadian Legion to thrive together. Originating during World War I, the Auxiliary supported wounded veterans and their families. When the Legion was founded in 1926, these dedicated women joined branches to continue volunteering, assisting veterans in need and enhancing Legion programs and activities.