Perth-Wellington MP John Nater has announced that 9 Royal Canadian Legion branches in his riding will finally be receiving emergency support funds to help with costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a release on January 11th, Nater says that "Legion Branches have been devastated by the COVID-19 Pandemic." Without the ability to host functions or events and receive rent, the legions have lost nearly all their revenue for 2020. On November 10th of 2020, the Government announced new funding to create a temporary Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund (VOESF). So far 14 million dollars has been designated for legions. 9 legions in Perth-Wellington will split just over $89,000 in funding. Those are the legions in Stratford, Arthur, Milverton, Mount Forest, St. Marys, Listowel, Harriston, Drayton and Milverton.
MP Nater says thankfully none of the branches in his riding were forced to permanently close.
“We are very fortunate none of the branches in Perth—Wellington was forced to close permanently in 2020. Unfortunately for some other branches across Canada, the support did not arrive soon enough. I am hoping this funding will allow our local legions to continue to serve Veterans and our communities while honouring the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers.”
Perth—Wellington Legion Branches VOESF Recipients:
Stratford, Branch 8: $10,845.05 Mitchell, Branch 128: $10,845.05 Mount Forest, Branch 134: $10,845.05 Arthur, Branch 226: $10,000.00 St. Marys, Branch 236: $10,845.05 Listowel, Branch 259: $10,845.05 Harriston, Branch 296: $10,845.05 Drayton, Branch 416: $3,476.00 Milverton, Branch 565: $10,845.05
TOTAL $89,391.35
