Port Elgin Royal Canadian Legion Branch 340 members gathered in person for the annual general meeting (AGM) on Tuesday (Apr. 5).
While it was an opportunity for members to meet face-to-face, it was also a chance for the Legion Branch to donate funds to local health care.
Amy McKinnon, CEO of the regional Owen Sound Hospital Foundation, was on hand to accept donations on behalf of both Owen Sound Hospital and Southampton Memorial Hospital Foundation.
McKinnon said that the hospitals have a special relationship with the Legions and that veterans and today’s military receive care at both hospitals. “In Owen Sound Hospital, we regularly see service men and women in ‘fatigues’ and the Legion is such an important part of the community. All the work that the Legions do throughout the year is certainly appreciated by the Hospitals and all members should feel a nugget of pride as you all made this happen through the Poppy Fund, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Charitable Fund.”
She added that, “Having a CT scan here in Saugeen Shores at the local hospital is going to make a big difference in people getting treatment quicker and everyone is playing a part in Bringing TOM to Town. On behalf of patients, doctors and staff, we are very appreciative.”
From last year’s Poppy Fund (2021), the Legion donated $6,000 to each of the hospital Foundations for equipment needs and, in particular, for ECG equipment in Owen Sound. The Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary also donated $1,500 to Southampton Hospital Foundation and $750 to Owen Sound’s. In addition, from the Branch Charitable Fund, $300 was donated to Owen Sound Oncology.
It was also a night of celebration for one of the Branch members when Tom Jacques presented a special pin to Norm Kaufman in recognition of his 60 years in the Legion.
Cde Tom Jacques also received his Affiliate pin for 35 years of service (Note: he has been a member for 37 years but the pins only come in increments of 5 years).
