‘Tis the season for giving.
And the Royal Canadian Legion Chemainus Branch 191 is just happy to have the means for giving again after COVID restrictions.
Members of various community groups gathered at the Chemainus Legion Hall last Thursday afternoon to receive contributions from the Legion, just in time to make it a Merry Christmas and help the bottom line at the same time.
“I’m so glad everybody’s here,” said Legion 191 treasurer Janet Mitchell. “We like to give away money, but we haven’t had money to give away.”
The return of regular Friday bingos has been a huge boost to Legion coffers. All the funds donated came from bingo proceeds with the exception of one from meat draws in the Legion lounge.
Peter Leckie warmed up the crowd with some Christmas music on the bagpipes and then accepted a $500 cheque from Legion 191 president Mike Beggs for the Cowichan Pipes and Drums.
Mike Annan and service dog Westy were there to receive $1,000 for the Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs.
Christina Godbolt, the organizer of the annual Little Town Christmas celebration that returned this year, was grateful to receive a cheque for $1,000 from the Legion.
“Without the Legion and all of you, this event would never go on,” Godbolt praised.
Emily Holmes represented the Chemainus Harvest House Food Bank that received $1,000 from the Legion for its Christmas program and another $2,000 for general operations.
The Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society, represented by Bob Johns, was the recipient of a $1,000 cheque.
“We really do appreciate this,” said Johns. “I’d like to thank the Legion for all they do to help us and everyone else around town.”
Becky Young received a $500 cheque from Beggs on behalf of the Chemainus Secondary School Parent Advisory Committee.
Another $1,000 was given to the Fuller Lake Skating Club.
While carrying his lit bagpipes, Leckie said he was “de-lighted” over the proceedings.
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don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca
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