The local Legion needs the rejuvenation of youth.
The Col. John McCrae Memorial Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 234, has an ongoing campaign calling on the younger generation to step up and support the organization.
During a general meeting of Branch 234 Thursday night, president Wayne Rahn said in an interview that the roughly 500-member branch is made up predominantly of seniors. Youth is needed to sustain its work in the long-term.
“As we all age in this organization, we are looking for replacements, basically of ourselves, to step in, learning about the Legion, take on some responsibility so that we can continue to support our veterans in the way we have in the presence and in the past,” Rahn said.
It is not necessary for new members to be veterans themselves, just people who are eager to support veterans and ensure their legacy is preserved and promoted.
“We’re not short of numbers right now, but we are mainly looking at what happens in the next three, four, five years,” Rahn said. “Most of our executive right now is in their late-60s and 70s. So this is what we are trying to address.”
He said the organization, headquartered in a relatively new building at 57 Watson Parkway S., would like to see younger veterans get involved. Guelph is home to the 11th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA. Over 40 of its soldiers served in the Afghanistan conflict.
“Our plan is to over winter is to talk to some of the members of the 11th Field to see if they would be interested in coming out and joining us,” Rahn said.
There is a lot of benefit in being a member, and much to be done in the community, he said.
“We have comradeship here at the branch, and the opportunity to take part in poppy campaign, which starts on Oct. 28th,” he said. “We do a lot of good. We contribute a lot of money to the local community, through bursaries, and donations to hospitals. Members have an opportunity to wear the uniform with pride and get involved.”
The Halloween Dance Party is happening this Saturday at the Royal Canadian Legion, starting at 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
While the dance is not a new member recruitment effort, Rahn said he hopes to see younger people come out to it.
“If they like what they see in our organization, maybe they will join,” he said.
Visit www.legionguelph.com to learn more about Branch 234.
