Legion seeking new recruits

The Nelson Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch 51 is housed in the 100-year-old heritage building built by the YMCA at 402 Victoria Street.

The cornerstone of this building was laid by Earl Grey, Governor General of Canada, on September 28, 1909, and the building was later purchased by the Royal Canadian Legion.

The Nelson RCL is today gearing up for a membership drive for 2010. The Legion is a non-profit, community-based organization and it provides many benefits to various local charities in the same manner as other Nelson service clubs. In order to support the Kootenay Kilties and Nelson Air Cadets, the Legion hall is provided for their practice times. The RCL also has agreements to provide space for the International Order of Foresters and its newest occupant – Self-Design-International School of the Kootenays (ISK), which has made significant improvements to the interior of the legion’s second floor.

At present, to obtain funds for RCL charities, they hold meat draws on Saturday afternoons in the lounge and Veterans’ Day Poppy Drives throughout the surrounding communities. All funds from these events are given locally to support veterans in need and community charities. The legion also has Texas Hold’Em poker on the last Sunday afternoon of every month in the upstairs hall, giving 75 per cent of entry ticket proceeds to the players and 25 per cent directly to local charities. This event is open to the public for anyone over the age of 19. This has become a popular event for all poker fans.

The benefits of belonging to the Nelson Legion are many. In the lounge, which is open seven days a week, members and their guests enjoy:

Friday evening karaoke, Saturday afternoon meat draws with karaoke in the evening, Sunday afternoon crib tournament, month-end birthday bash, occasional fundraiser barbecues, ribs, etc., New Year’s Eve Party – low cost, pot luck and tremendous band, snooker, pool, shuffleboard and darts, beverage room with a welcoming, friendly atmosphere which varies from relaxing to lively

Memberships are available to anyone who is a Canadian citizen and over the age of 19.

Please note that military service is not necessary to become a member.

If you are thinking of joining the legion or renewing your membership, now is the most opportune time to do so, as a draw of a free membership will be given away until the end of December for all paid memberships.

Further information is available at 352-7727 or www.rclbr51@telus.net. Please support your legion, community and have fun, too.

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