support for veterans during the pandemic

                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27 March 2020

Legion Branches, Ontario Command Continue to Support Veterans

The Royal Canadian Legion, Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries in Ontario Command continue to support our Veterans and their families through these trying times.

We understand that during this time of crisis there are needs and financial distress and we remind Veterans and their families that the Royal Canadian Legion is only an email away to assist. Our Provincial and Branch Service Officers will help in completing any applications for assistance free of charge.

Although our Branches and offices are closed to the public, we remain committed to provide the necessities for our Veterans. If any Veteran requires assistance they can contact their local Branch or contact direct to Ontario Command email rclontariocommand@on.legion.ca  and if you provide your full contact information, someone will get back to you as soon as possible. We have Provincial staff, including Provincial Service Officers, working from home who are in contact with Veterans Affairs Canada on a daily basis.

Our Mission: TO SERVE VETERANS, WHICH INCLUDES SERVING MILITARY AND RCMP MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO PROMOTE REMEMBRANCE AND TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES AND OUR COUNTRY.

For further information please contact email: rclontariocommand@on.legion.ca, or as listed below for individual staff:

Veterans Hot Line – 437-228-4747

Homeless Veterans Program – jkemp@on.legion.ca and/or psweeny@on.legion.ca

Service Bureau (Aurora) – mrohmann@on.legion.ca  and/or adina@on.legion.ca  
Service Bureau (North Bay) – sculling@on.legion.ca  and/or rabud@on.legion.ca  
Service Bureau (Kanata) – proyle@on.legion.ca  and/or shannon@on.legion.ca  
Service Bureau (London) – rhyndman@on.legion.ca  and/or dsnyders@on.legion.ca


89 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora Ont. L4G 4C4
437-228-4747  Fax 905-841-9992 on.legion.ca  rclontariocommand@on.legion.ca   

 For those who don't know, we run a Thursday Night Bingo here at Branch 233 Orangeville. Like our motto " The Little Legion with a Big Heart, our Bingo is little but the people who support us have big hearts and generous spirits. So, it was only fitting, that when the opportunity arose to present a very unique award, the Bingo venue was chosen. The individual who was presented this award has over time consistently supported our branch every so quietly. As this award did not arrive in time for the “Honours and Awards” banquet, it was decided to do this presentation where our patrons, whose continued support enables us to assist various agencies in Orangeville, would also be a part of the ceremony honouring this person. Sharon Kimber was presented with the Royal Canadian Legion Friendship Award, which consisted of a medal and a certificate, signed by the Dominion President. 

The Friendship Award exists to honour and recognize individuals who have rendered assistance, service or cooperation to the Legion beyond that which could normally be anticipated or expected. Sharon Kimber is truly a Friend of the Legion!

Good day to one and all from the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 233 Orangeville. I would like to thank all those citizens of Orangeville and surrounding communities for their continuing support of our Thursday night Bingo. Because of this support, we were able to make two 1000.00 donations to two very deserving agencies within Orangeville this morning. The first donation was to Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the second was to the Family Transition Place. Again, many thanks to all.
“Lest We Forget” “We Will Remember”

First picture  above– left to right – Barry Kimber – President, Br 233 Orangeville, Nancy Stallmach, Executive Director – Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Dufferin and District, Chuck Simpson, 1st vice, Br 233 Orangeville.
Second picture – left to right – Barry Kimber – President, Br 233 Orangeville, Kelly Lee, Events and Community Relations Coordinator, Family Transition Place, Chuck Simpson, 1st vice, Br 233 Orangeville.

 On Saturday, 13 July 2019, a day which was one of remembrance, when we said goodbye to our comrade Don Patterson, four members of Branch 233 Orangeville got to open a very special box. This box came from a gentleman named Kelvyn Jenkins who lives in Wales and is a member of the Royal British Legion. In the box was a British Wooden Poppy. What a beauty it is. We have to thank Comrade Jenkins for the lovely Poppy as well as our own Comrade Rose Elsdon in whose name it was delivered to the Legion. It will be put in a place of honour. As we say, “Lest We Forget”, “We Will Remember” and we will REMEMBER. 

All pictures show: Front left, Comrade Rose Elsdon, Past President, back left, Comrade Chuck Simpson, 1st vice, front right, Comrade Barry Kimber, President, back right, Greg Laing, Branch Piper. 

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 Greetings to all. I have to say, that this was a very unique evening. Comrades Barry Kimber, President, Darrick Landry, Past President and Chuck Simpson, 1st vice President of Branch 233 Orangeville and Larry Weltz, President of Branch 449 Alton, all members of Zone E-3, had the great pleasure of joining with the Orangeville Fire Chief, Mr Ronald Morden and the officers, men and women of the Orangeville Fire department in a very special presentation. The Legion members, on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Charitable Foundation presented the Orangeville Fire Department with a cheque for $5000.00. This money will go towards the purchase of a Multi Force Air Lifting Bag. This is an impressive piece of equipment, which if and when required, will give our fire department one more means in assisting those who are in need. We owe all "first responders" who put themselves in harms way for us a "great big thanks" and all the support that we can give them.