Lack of volunteers shuts down Legion BBQs at end of August

Arts & Entertainment

Summer is synonymous with sunshine, fresh flavours, outdoors adventures and for the people of Legion Branch 29, their annual BBQ fundraising drive. For those who aren’t familiar, The Royal Canadian Legion was founded by veterans and for veterans in 1925, and the Paris branch is the 29th to be established in Canada. All legion branches are dedicated to supporting and remembering veterans, and also nurturing community projects and charities through fundraising events Every summer the Paris Legion runs Saturday BBQs with live musicians, rain or shine, offering tasty BBQ and pub-type fare with all profits going to bolster Legion Branch 29’s operations and to donate to the charities they support - the Paris Food Bank, Meals on Wheels Paris, Stedman Community Hospice to name a few. When it’s sunny, the entire event is on the Legion patio and lawn, with umbrellas and marquees shading guests and the visiting musicians and when it’s rainy you can still sit outside, or inside where the musician continues the entertainment no matter the weather. The event runs from 12 PM till 6 PM with the musicians entertaining from 1 PM to 4 PM.

Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful musicians, many of whom volunteer their services to support this Legion initiative Branch 29 Vice President Roy Haggart shared, “The BBQs have raised about $8,200 to date over ten Saturdays, we anticipate another $2,000 by end of August This project is helping to keep the Branch alive and well. We have more than 300 members, we have approximately 14 volunteers supporting the BBQs week after week ”

It's a lot of work for a small group of volunteers and because of that it’s a summer long commitment to ensure the lucrative fundraisers continue. But it is starting to take its toll. “These volunteers are getting tired and frustrated Branch 29 Legion has supported our veterans, our youth, and our community since 1926 (97 years). We need the community and the membership to stand up and support the Branch for another 97 years.”

Volunteers are vital, and this weekly summer event often runs into

September but, sadly - due to a lack of volunteers - they are cutting short their 2023 series, with their last events happening August 19th and August 26th Hope Guthrie will perform today And it’s a double music night at the legion today. This evening, Saving Agnes will play from 6 pm to 9 pm, $5 cover at the door.

“I want to take a moment to thank all the volunteers, I wish I could thank them all by name, it’s been a small and mighty group making it happen this year; bravo to them all!”

Did you know you don’t have to be a member of the Legion to volunteer at their events? BBQ shifts are only 3.5 hours and volunteers take orders, work the BBQ, bus tables and generally support the operations of the day There is a list of roles you can sign up for and you can find out more by contacting VP Roy Haggart by email royhaggart@rogers.com

Events are run year long, so get in touch even if you are interested You can learn more about the Paris Legion and upcoming events on their website https://parislegion29.ca

Paris Legion BBQ volunteers Gloria Stewart and Rick Cudmore ready to serve up some summer treats on the grill, despite the rain last Saturday. Rain or shine you can find a BBQ meal and live music at Branch 29 on Saturdays. The BBQs normally run until late September but due to a lack of volunteers, the BBQs will end in August.