The Abbotsford branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is looking back on the busy year they had in 2018.
The legion took part in numerous community events, including AbbyFest, Girls Fly Too, Vimy Ridge ceremonies, Remembrance Day celebrations, several dinners specifically for veterans and other functions.
Local first responders were treated to a luncheon they described as “awesome and delicious.”
The luncheon was made possible with the help of Darren Glencross, the manager of Real Canadian Superstore, who made an ample donation and said, “It was the right thing to do.”
High school students received a total of $15,000 in bursaries towards the cost of their university educations.
Donations were made to the Honour House Foundation to assist veterans and their families to help cover the cost of living expenses while in hospital.
The Military Police Motorcycle Riders were given a substantial amount towards the foundation for the blind, while the Elks Club was also given a donation to assist with the cost of their annual camp for kids.
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Abbotsford Community Services, Fraser Valley Singers, The Reach Gallery Museum and the food bank were also presented with donations to assist in their efforts to help veterans and other local citizens.
Five veterans are currently being assisted with animals from the Citadel Therapy Canine Society in an attempt to improve their daily lives.
The poppy campaign was a huge success, with much gratitude going to the people in Abbotsford for their generous donations. These funds assist all veterans and their families in the area.
Members of the legion are hoping to have a bench installed at Hazelwood Cemetery inscribed with the words, “Lest We Forget.”
The Abbotsford Legion members do their best to come up with fundraising ideas to help the community.
They hold bacon-and-egg draws on Wednesday afternoons along with karaoke, music bingo on Thursday afternoons, karaoke every Friday night, and meat draws every Saturday afternoon with live music.
They also serve fish and chips on the first Friday night of each month and a steak dinner with all the trimmings on the third Friday of the month in warmer weather.
The legion hall is available for rental and has been used for a celebration of life, birthday parties and other occasions.
The membership has grown substantially over the past year, with some of the new members coming in as young as 32. Members no longer have to be related to a veteran to join.
For more information, visit abbylegion.ca, call 604-853-1711 or drop by the hall at 2513 West Railway St.