Royal Canadian Legions across northwestern Ontario are trying to stay positive as they suffer through COVID-19 shutdowns.
A recent CTV report indicated 10% of legions in Canada would close permanently, while 30% are in dire straights because of the health crisis.
Doug Miranda is the president of the Legion in Dryden and he admits they do have their issues right now but stresses closing the legion has never been discussed.
“In this town I’m very, very optimistic because the citizens have always banded around us and we’ll be open when we can. We’ve done some renovations inside with the break. But that money was already committed before COVID and there’s some mild surprises when you come in.”
Miranda notes “We have an expense of roughly $3,000 a month for an empty building sitting there. Organizations we look at the beginning of the year. We go by the number of events we are having for that year and budget to that. It hurts a whole bunch when the tap gets turned off.”
Miranda is calling on the federal government to work with the legions, noting they aren’t asking them to take over, they are just looking for something in their pocket when they are able to reopen.
He stresses legions have had a strong mandate to recognize and remember our vets for roughly 100 years and use what funds they have to give back to the community.
He states that’s why he believes it’s important for the government to step in and provide assistance.
To hear more from Doug Miranda, visit the Audio link below.
Meantime, the president of the Legion in Ear Falls believes they will be back in business when COVID-19 shutdowns are lifted.
Matt Barrow says the pandemic has hit them hard, especially with the absence of their beer gardens.
“That generates quite a bit of money for us. Kind of sustains us throughout the winter. Helps with our ongoing utility costs and maintenance costs that keep the up-keep of the building. Right now that’s probably in the range around $35,000 gross sales that we are not going to receive this year.”
Barrow states they have been impacted but are surviving.
“We’ve been able to pay our bills. We have reached out to Dominion Command and asked for some money and we’ve received some money from them to help pay for ongoing monthly utility costs which are in the range of $1,600 to $2,000 a month.”
Barrow says the legion will be looking at accessing government loan programs as well as fundraising ideas when they are allowed to reopen.
He stresses the legion is considered the “Hub” of Ear Falls and is confident people will return when facility shutdowns are lifted.
To hear more from Matt Barrow, visit the Audio link below.
