Just like the band of brothers did during a war, the fight to help each other still continues on the home front for many veterans.
Through the annual poppy campaign, veterans raise money for the Royal Canadian Legion Trail Branch #11, as well as for the provincial and national campaign.
But nearly all of the money raised — this year it was $22,300 — stays in the community to help the branch’s veterans with medical expenses, dental expenditures and other unmanageable costs, said Legion president Vern Schneider.
After related expenses, net proceeds for the campaign will be about $15,000, money that stays in Trail to help out local veterans, said Schneider.
“That is our purpose, which is to look after disabled veterans,” he said. “If someone is having problems we try to help out, financially.”
The campaign is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Legion, said Schneider, and several programs are dependent on the money raised to continue operating.
The Legion supports a few of the veteran’s retirement homes on the West Coast, the Veterans Transition program, the new BCIT accreditation program, four bursaries for children and grandchildren of veterans and equipment for veterans care facilities.
The Legion also assisted in the purchase of equipment for three care facilities and the Red Cross loan cupboard. The branch also provided comforts for veterans and seniors in the local care facilities, and helped fund a Legion program for returning soldiers to assist them in adjusting to civilian life.
In addition, the Legion supports many Trail organizations and programs, including youth sports, educational grants for post secondary students, the Trail Ambassador program, Meals on Wheels and local cadets.
Last year, through the combined efforts of the branch and the community, the branch raised in excess of $22,000.
If you are interested in joining the Legion, call 364-1700 or stop by the branch at 2141 Columbia Ave. and pick up an application.