B.C. Legions get pandemic-relief funding

VICTORIA — The B.C. government is helping Legions get through the financial crunch of COVID-19.

The province is providing $1.5 million in new relief funding to ensure the social agencies can continue providing essential community services to its 47,000 members in B.C., including veterans and their families.

The one-time support will help offset the impacts of the pandemic and recent circuit-breaker restrictions.

The Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command has 143 branches, serving veterans, ex-service personnel, seniors and youth.

“Legions play an important role in our communities, caring for the people who have served our nation,” Premier John Horgan said. “Our government is committed to finding a solution, and we’re delivering support to ensure legions can keep serving veterans, their families and our communities.”

Legions generate a significant portion of revenue to fund their services through food and beverage service, which was disrupted by public health orders preventing people from gathering indoors.

The $1.5 million is similar to the average grant provided to businesses under the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant and aligns with support provided by the federal government.

A statement from the Legion said their 143 branches within B.C. raise over $2.5 million for veterans and their families through the annual poppy campaign. Branches also raise and distribute additional funds throughout the year giving back over $1 million to their local communities in BC.

The agency said the $1.5 million from Victoria will be received by BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion and be distributed based on need.

“As June 6, the annual date when we remember D-Day and the Invasion of Normandy approaches our 47,000 members in BC and Yukon are especially encouraged that we can continue our mission,” stated Val MacGregor, President of the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion.