Editor, The Times:
On Aug. 8, 2016, the membership of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 259 approved the cenotaph committee’s proposal to place a new cenotaph in Reg Small Park.
District of Clearwater has also given its approval and support.
The present cenotaph, built with loving care and attention by Loyd Bishop, Richard Willan and Ric Kintzinger, has suffered the ravages of weather and time. Since its construction it has served us well and we are forever grateful for their dedication and labour.
District of Clearwater is building a new well and wellhouse near the existing cenotaph, which will necessitate the removal of the cenotaph.
The Legion will have to provide a temporary cenotaph for the Remembrance Day Service on Nov. 11, 2017 and plans to accomplish this are in motion.
Our goal is to have funding in place to enable us to dedicate the new cenotaph on Nov. 11, 2018.
This is the challenge.
We can apply for a Veteran’s Affairs grant for up to $50,000 but we need to match dollar for dollar. Therefore we need $50,000 in our cenotaph fund. We presently have $1,500 in our memorial fund.
So, we are embarking on an ambitious program to reach our goal of $50,000 to provide a fitting monument to honour those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and all veterans who have served in the past and who are presently serving so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today.
To this end we are exploring all possible avenues of fundraising.
The Surf and Turf Dinner we are having on Sept. 30 will be our first major fundraising effort and is now sold out.
Please come prepared to participate in the silent auction and possibly even give a donation.
We are also considering other means of raising funds from citizens, businesses and corporations in and around our community. We will keep you posted.
We cannot do this without your help, so please stay tuned for other opportunities to support this worthy cause.
Please note that the Legion is not registered as a charitable organization (although we are a not-for-profit organization) and therefore we cannot give tax deductible receipts. This means that any financial gift you give will truly be a gift of love.
Calvin Lutz, president
Branch 259 Vavenby and District Royal Canadian Legion.
On behalf of the members and cenotaph committee, Randy Hedlund and Harry James
