The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 122, or the Golden Legion as most people know it, has been operating for many years.
In those years, many changes have come about to invite more people in.
Everyone is welcome to come through the doors, enjoy time in the lounge, participate in events, and host their own parties inside the building that has helped so many people in the community.
Along with raising funds for youth and veterans in the community, the legion acts as a gathering place for all people, including veterans. Recent changes have helped to bring in more patrons, including removing the requirement that people be members to enter.
The legion in Golden has also removed the rule that people must take off their hats while inside, except on special occasions, like Remembrance Day and D-Day.
Although legions in general aren’t doing well, the legion in Golden is “holding it’s own” and doing better than last year, said legion president Ed Coon.
Another major change that the local legion made was to their liquor licensing, switching it to a liquor primary license. They are also working on serving food on a regular basis.
Supporting the branch also helps support the veterans. Money from annual poppy sales goes toward helping veterans in need. Money collected from gaming, like raffles, goes toward providing bursaries and scholarships, and assisting youth. The only money that goes back to the legion itself is from bar sales. And right now, the Golden Legion is hoping to save enough money to repair some leaks in the roof, and to replace the carpet in the lounge with an updated style.
“Our main objective at the legion is to support the veterans,” Coon said. “It’s very important that the public remember the veterans and honour the veterans.”
And to do that, Coon wants more young people to come into the legion. The lounge hosts a variety of events including karaoke once a month, weekly meat draws and raffles on Fridays and Saturdays, and special events, like Bonnie Kilroe, who performed at the legion this month.
People are invited to use the lounge to celebrate birthdays, retirements, or any other kind of celebration, as long as they don’t mind having some veterans to share the space with.
For people who want a more private setting, the banquet hall is available to rent, but people are required to have their own event insurance and liquor license.
The legion has dart boards, free pool, a large patio outside, cheap and local beers, and much more to offer.
Next month, the legion will host its annual Christmas craft fair on December 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
So the next time you’re searching for the place to go to enjoy a beer or coffee, consider stopping by the legion to support the veterans and youth in Golden’s community.
