Not just a Legion; Not just a bar

The Peachland Legion hands out $1,000s to community groups each year. (PeachlandNews.com file photo/Dave Preston)

by Barrie Hewer
Peachland Legion Branch 69 executive

Count yourself in the majority if you think that a Legion is just a bar for retired or active military personnel and that military service is required in order to join the Legion.  But in the same breath count yourself wrong.

I hope that what I am about to tell you will come as a surprise and will encourage you to visit your Legion.  I say ‘your’ because the Peachland Legion belongs to your community.

For the past 85 years the Peachland Legion has provided valuable, indeed essential, services not only for its members but for the entire community.

This year alone over $ 18,000 has been given to local groups, families and individuals and we’re not finished yet!  Local students needing bursaries, our local fire hall, the Wellness Centre, and the Peachland Elementary School are but just a few that have benefited this year from the Legion’s fundraising events.

These fundraisers are held at the Legion Thursday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.  All the money raised goes to charitable purposes.

So, not  ‘just a bar’, as many have thought.

“Do I have to be a veteran to be a member and why does the Legion require membership?” Anyone can join the Legion or you can visit as a guest of a member.

Membership?  By becoming a member you will have joined tens of thousands of others across Canada that support the sacrifices our armed forces have made.

By the way, if you’re contemplating a road trip, you’ll find a welcome hand at each of the hundreds of Legions across Canada.  Have I mentioned yet the retail discounts Legion members receive from participating sponsors?  Hotels, hardware stores, lower mortgage rates, travel services, hearing aids, computers and the list goes on and on.

Back to local activities at your Peachland Legion.  As a member you are welcome to join the Snooker league, dart team, baseball team, volleyball team, or if you wish, just enjoy our new lounge, have a cup of coffee and do the Globe and Mail crossword, delivered daily.

So you see, not just a Legion and not just a bar.

Editor’s Note: The Peachland Legion will hold an open house on Saturday, June 30, from 12 to 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to help celebrate the Legion’s 85 years of serving Peachland.