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Legion president puts call out for more elected officials

By Casandra Turnbull

The Paris Legion is in desperate need of volunteers to sit on the executive and help ensure the day to day operations of this long-standing Branch.

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Branch 29 President Donald MacLeod put a call out on social media this week asking for people to step forward and volunteer at the Legion’s upcoming elections next month. Currently, there are only four elected officials, which he says, is not sustainable.

“I am asking for your help,” the post reads “ We have just had to pay for a new compressor for the cooler ($3,600) and will need to replace the flat roof next year,” it continues. And with little to no elected officials it’s difficult to commit to any sort of fundraising campaigns or events, which will be required to raise money for these maintenance projects. The post goes on to list all the positions that are open, along with a brief description of what’s entailed. You can find that list below. If you’re interested in filling one of these roles, email parislegion29@rogers.com, leave a message at 519-4423788 or plan to attend the elections meeting on April 19th at 7:30pm at the Branch. The Legion has been a fixture in Paris for close to 90 years The original house portion of the building was constructed in 1860 and bequeathed to the Legion in 1937 by Franklin Smoke. Over the years, the building suffered from natural wear and tear and deterioration. Plans were already in the works to begin the muchneeded repairs well before Covid. In July 2019 the public fundraising campaign began with an initial goal of $75,000 but it was eventually doubled to $150,000 to cover the cost of the extensive renovations for a new accessible entrance, new fire escape, handicap accessible doors and washroom, renovated washroom and kitchen, fresh coats of paint, electrical upgrades, new custom cabinets and a central air system.

Open Positions

President, treasurer, secretary, membership, poppy campaign, ways and means (organizing events and raising funds for the branch), house (keep facilities in good order), sports (running and assisting in all legion sports), bar chair (monthly inventory, ordering), service officer (assisting veterans in various ways), youth education (school programs, legion contests), sick and visiting (sending out get well cards, making Christmas baskets for veterans), Nevada and lotteries (keeping records of incoming and outgoing), honours and awards and public relations.

Do you have the desire to help keep the Legion open and operating? There are a number of elected positions open, attend the April 19th meeting at 7:30 pm to learn more or to volunteer your time!

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