(File photo/CKOM News Staff)

By CKOM News

Legion halls in Saskatchewan facing tough times

Jun 24, 2020 | 9:38 AM

COVID-19 has painted a dreary picture when it comes to Royal Canadian Legion halls.

Closed since March, it’s estimated that 124 of the 1,381 branches across Canada are likely to close permanently, with another 357 facing serious financial hardship.

The way Legions operate, most aren’t eligible for any of the federal aid programs.

The executive director of the Legion’s Saskatchewan command, Chad Wagner, says it’s disappointing.

“Essentially we’ve fallen into this gap where we don’t belong in the norm,” said Wagner. “We have a call into the prime minister to see if he can do something about it.”

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Often the backbone of many communities, the halls need that support, Wagner said.

“They’re the pillars of various communities,” he said. “They’re the place where people get married, have graduations and all these other things people don’t realize.”

Wagner said about 10 Legion halls in Saskatchewan are really struggling.

And if branches start to close, it could throw a major wrench into their poppy drives, which would mean less money for veterans.

“Without the branches, without the volunteer base, the poppy campaign doesn’t exist,” said Wagner. “Without the poppy campaign, it’s going to be a lot tougher to support these veterans and families.”