The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139 is celebrating a milestone this year.
They started up back in 1934 and are celebrating 90-years of service to veterans and the community..
Past President Vivian McNeil has been a member for the last 51-years and went over some of the Legion’s history.
“Our first meetings were in somebody’s home and all of our records were in a trunk. From there we had a location on South First Avenue where the Tribune is now, then they built the first half, the front of this Legion on Barnard Street. In 1954 the hall was built on the back of the Legion and did the basement.”
McNeil noted that in all the time they’ve been operating, as of right now, they’re membership is the most that they ever had.
“In the 51-years I’ve been with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139 I’ve seen a lot of changes and a lot of people come and go. I held just about every position except Treasurer. I was president for 8-years. My job mostly has been cooking in the kitchen and I’m still cooking in the kitchen.”
Her big joy of being part of the Legion is how it gives back to the community.
“We have a meat draw every Friday and Saturday and 90-percent of the proceeds go to the community. We help seniors, we’ve donated to the Hospital over the years, all kinds of Minor sports from soccer to little britches rodeo. And we help the veterans through our Poppy Fund which is coming up pretty quick. That is a separate fund and we use for helping veterans and their dependants, widows, and their children.”
To celebrate their 90th Anniversary the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139 in Williams Lake will be holding a special dinner starting at 7 this Saturday night (October 19).
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