Welcome to Branch 233, Orangeville
We are glad you found our website, please browse through our various pages!
Status of Branch Elections
Message from our District E Commander, Crystal Cook
Good Afternoon Comrades,
Last week the Provincial Executive Council which includes the District and Zone Commanders for all of Ontario met in regards to Branch Elections.
After much debate Declaration #9 has been crafted and accepted and, as such, elections are still on hold pending a return to full branch operations. The situation will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis and once things change a new direction will come out.
If a branch has executive members that do not wish to remain in their current roles they are not required to do so and the succession as per the by-laws will be triggered.
While I can appreciate that this will be met with mixed reactions we need to keep the safety of our members especially our elderly members in mind. With the vaccine immunization starting to pick up some speed, the days of meeting in person as a group are on the horizon and until then we must do everything we can to protect ourselves and our members.
Yours in Comradeship
Crystal Cook
District E Commander
The Royal Canadian Legion
Ontario Command
PASSING OF JAMES K. STEPHENSON
WWII Veteran
Comrades, it is with grea sadness I report Comrade James K. Stephenson Veteran WW2 passed away January 14th 2021 at the age of 96. Comrade James was a member of our branch for 66 years!
Comrade James ENLISTED 28TH JULY 1943 ROYAL CANADIAN ARTILLERY TRANSFERRED ROYAL CANADIAN ARMY SERVICE CORP SERVICE# B-149875 DATE OF DISCHARGE APRIL 3 1946. THEATRES OF SERVICE CANADA, UNITED KINGDOM, CONTINENTAL EUROPE. MEDALS 1939-45 STARS FRANCE & GERMANY STAR CANADIAN VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL & CLASP.
Comrade James is the father of Ken Stephenson past president and life member of our branch. We will be lowering the flag at half mast in honour of Comrade James. The family has indicated they will be having a private family service.
Lest We Forget, We Will Remember
Barry Kimber President Branch #233
Royal Canadian Legion, Col Fitzgerald
He was born July 1925
Banquet HALL Painting
Our freshly painted banquet room! (More pictures on the Banquet Hall Rental Page)
Our painters from Procare Painting Orangeville: Luke Panoussis and owner Ken Appleby.
Our painters from Procare Painting Orangeville: Luke Panoussis and owner Ken Appleby.
Our painters from Procare Painting Orangeville: Luke Panoussis and owner Ken Appleby.
Our painters from Procare Painting Orangeville: Luke Panoussis and owner Ken Appleby.
Our painters from Procare Painting Orangeville: Luke Panoussis and owner Ken Appleby.
Passing of Greg Fisher
It is with great sadness that we were informed of the passing of our comrade, Greg Fisher on January 2nd, 2021. Greg was a member of Branch 233 Orangeville for over 27 years. He was a past member of the executive, house manager at one time and was a very active participant in the Poppy Campaign. Greg was also a retired member of the Peel Regional Police. The Canadian flag at the branch is now at half mast in his honour. Please click on the link below for the obituary and tributes.
“Lest We Forget” “We Will Remember”.
Passing of Howard McKinnon - December 13th 2020
It is with great sadness, that we have been informed this day of the passing of our dear friend and comrade, Howard McKinnon. Howard passed away December 13th, and as more information becomes available, we will ensure it is posted both on our Facebook page and website. Howard will be truly be missed by all.
“Lest We Forget” “We Will Remember”.
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 233 Orangeville
please help support the orangeville legion
We are reaching out to our community for help. Many of you have enjoyed a meal, played bingo or attended one of our many other events. There have been many members over the years, perhaps even your parent or grandparent were a member. Almost everyone has fond memories of our Orangeville Legion which was founded back in 1935.
The legion supports our military veterans and their families. In our community our legion also donates to many charities including the food bank, hospital and gives support to seniors and youth in our town. Our legion is a nonprofit organization which is run by volunteers. You don't have to have been a veteran to be a member, just have a desire to help us keep the Remembrance and help the community.
Due to having to close our branch back on March 16th because of Covid-19 our financial loss has been severe, as our branch’s income comes from renting our hall, as well as food and bar sales. Our president, Barry Kimber, put in an insurance claim for loss of income due to the outbreak, but we were denied as were all other legions in Ontario. Our branch was counting on receiving money from our insurance company, but since the claims were denied, we are asking for your help. Some legion branches will not survive this.
Please make a donation to our Orangeville Legion, Branch 233 to help us to be able to continue making more great memories for the people of Orangeville. Please remember every little bit helps, all small donations do add up, and we appreciate any help you can give. Thank you
If you prefer to donate by cheque please contact the legion. Thank you for your support!!!!
Please see on our Branch News Page, how you can send a letter to our MP to help petition for more support for the Legion Branches in Canada.
Please click ON THE PICTURE to take you to the GoFundMe page to help support our Orangeville Legion
LEGION COMMEMORATION OF V-E DAY
May 8th 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two in the European theatre of operations with the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies. We commemorate the sacrifices and the loss of life on both sides of this conflict in the fervent hope that this kind of global conflict never occurs again.
On behalf of the Orangeville Legion; Barry Kimber (President), Chuck Simpson (1st Vice President), Chris Skalazob (Sgt-at-Arms), and Dave Burgess (Branch Bugler) met in the afternoon at the Orangeville cenotaph in Alexandra Park and commemorated V-E Day with a small service and the placing of a V-E Day wreath. (More pictures below.)
More than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in WWII. Over 45,000 Canadians gave their lives, and an additional 55,000 were wounded.
Many Canadians wore red on this day to commemorate the event and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The Royal Canadian Legion was holding a special photo event where you could send in your pics wearing red. Wearing red on Fridays is a sign of Remembrance but this was of course, a very special Friday.
There are fewer and fewer WWII veterans still left alive, but their contributions to keep us free, live on.
Lest We Forget. We WILL Remember Them.
For our veterans
Hello! Hang in there everyone.
Please see the notice under Branch News that gives more info and phone numbers for support.
Just a gentle reminder that while our Orangeville Royal Canadian Legion may be closed for the time being, our confidential, knowledgeable volunteers are still open for business when it comes to assisting our Veterans. Anyone who has served, or is serving, Canadian or Allied Veterans, and requires help of any kind is encouraged to reach out and call the Legion and leave a message: 519-942-4895, or email the Orangeville Legion at: rcl233@rogers.com