Volunteers of the Month: St. Thomas Little Helpers by Peri Haye s
Lila Pelkey is a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #41. She has been their Secretary for two years and counting, as well as Treasurer for three. Lila is responsible for managing the Legion’s deposits, as well as sending letters regarding their wreath sales and more. Upon moving to St. Thomas six years ago, Lila was en- thusiastic about forming meaningful connections within the community. Being that her father was in the military, Lila considered the Legion to be a sentimental space for offering her volunteer service. “When you get here and see what they do, it is amazing,” Lila expresses. She characterizes the ways in which dedicated volunteers offer their time to the Legion, demonstrating their labour of love: “We’re a great team!” The Legion conducts monthly meetings, with an Executive Meeting and a General Meeting held every third Tuesday. During these collaborative discussions, the team deliberates about new business, old business, creating ideas, reflecting on previous projects and the ways in which the Legion can continue raising funds for the community: “We have a lot of hard-working people, and everybody is here to do good.” An important component is, as Lila offers, “Donations always have to be agreed to.” Volunteers diligently prepare their Meat Draw on a weekly basis, pouring the money raised from this event into various charities. Meanwhile, the revenue from their organized Euchre, Stag and Doe celebrations, events, functions and their most recent Halloween festivities — during which Lila volunteers as a bartender — is directed toward the Legion. “All that money keeps us going,” she graciously shares. Asked what excites Lila about her involvement, she replies, “Giving out money -- with a food security focus. We give to the Food Bank, the VON Lunch Program, sports teams, schools who have a lunch program, and we’ve given to a robotics program in a school.” For example, the Legion supplied $500.00 to a local athlete who was representing
Team Canada: “Whatever the community needs, if it meets our requirements we will bring it to the Board.” Lila is delighted to announce that the Legion is immersed in preparing their Newsletter. Offered at the Legion are three levels of membership, all of which are available for the same price and benefits while being specified by recognition: Veterans are classified as Ordinary, Veteran dependents qualify for Associate — whether it be the individual’s parent or grandparent who has served — and Affiliate is discerned as a member who is not connected to the aforementioned categories. Moreover, their annual membership fee is $50.00 and will increase to $55.00 in the new year. Located in the basement of 24 John Street, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #41 is welcoming and open to the public. Explore their St. Thomas Legion Lord Elgin Br#41 Royal Canadian Legion Facebook page for further information. Those interested in becoming a member of the St. Thomas Legion are invited to either visit this virtual platform, or their physical location.
"They who for their country die shall fill an honoured grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb and beauty weeps the brave." Joseph Drake We Remember
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Page 10 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2024
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