Royal Canadian Legion branch No. 29 has been open and active in Creston since 1949. It continues to be active, with over 400 paid members who regularly participate in weekly dart night, Saturday meat draws, twice-monthly buffet suppers and pancake breakfasts, regular entertainment, dances and delicious steak barbecues.
All of the gaming money raised from these events goes directly back into the community of Creston to organizations such as the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors, Cubs/Scouts, army and air cadets, seniors groups, Crest view Village and local kids’ sports groups, including Special Olympics, as well as the Creston Ministerial Associa-tion Christmas hamper fund.
The poppy fund is another very successful fundraiser, with 100 per cent of the funds realized going toward helping veterans and their families with any special need they might have. This could be an electric wheelchair, walkers or any kind of special eye or dental care that might be required. The legion is proud to be able to help veterans and their families cope with any special need that rises.
It has been said recently that the legion is closing. Nothing could be further from the truth. The legion is proud to be able to support so many worthy causes in the community and intends to continue to make a major contribution for many more years to come.
On Jan. 13, the 40-year-old boiler system at the legion failed and cannot be repaired. The members of the legion have accepted the challenge of raising $30,000 to cover the cost of a new boiler, which includes a new hot water system.
The legion cannot raise that kind of money alone. It is asking the community to help, by way of supporting the special fundraising efforts that are being put in place specifically for this purpose. None of the funds that it donates to the community will be used for this purpose; the mandate is to raise funds specifically for the purpose of paying for the new boiler and hot water system. The community can look forward to receiving the same monetary support and camaraderie from the legion that it has received for the past 65 years.
Over the next year, the legion will be holding special fundraisers and hopes it can count on the community’s support. On March 12, it will be holding the Royal Queen’s Pageant, with a four-course prime rib dinner followed by some of the best pageant entertainment you will ever see. Tickets are $25 each, with 100 tickets available, and can be picked up at the legion or Black Bear Books. This is going to be one of the most fun events of the year in Creston. There will be no tickets after March 5, so get them early to avoid disappointment.
Other special fundraisers will include raffles, open mike/jam sessions, dance and other fun events. The legion will be sure to keep the community up to date with its plans.