Paris Legion is open for business

The doors are open to everyone to pop in an enjoy a sports game on TV, have a drink, play a game of pool, join a sports league, attend a community BBQ or just stop by for one of the many events held monthly

By Casandra Turnbull

The Paris Legion is opened for business

Nestled in a quaint corner of a part of Paris commonly referred to as the flats, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 has a growing membership unlike many other branches across the country.

Over the last decade, Legion memberships have been on the decline. The pandemic put the nail in the coffin of many branches In a 2020 CTV News Ottawa story, it was revealed that an estimated 124 of the 1,381 Royal Canadian Legion Branches across Canada were likely to close permanently, and another 357 were facing financial hardship.

Through the efforts of volunteers and a dedicated membership, Paris’ branch is alive and well with more than 320 members–the only foreseeable problem right now is that not too many residents are aware that the doors are open to everyone to pop in an enjoy a sports game on TV, have a drink, play a game of pool, join a sports league, attend a community BBQ or just stop by for one of the many events held monthly.

Attracting more people has been somewhat of a challenge because many believe the Legion is for veterans and members only.

“We are a community-based organization that assists with veterans and youth,” said Legion President Donald MacLeod. “We’re open to the community. We have many sports teams people can join but most believe they can’t because they are not a member. No membership is required. You don’t have to be a great player either, we will teach you,” said MacLeod, adding the Legion has the only pool tables and dart boards in town.

If you like Live music, you’ll want to consider popping by the Legion on a Friday evening throughout the winter as there’s always something happening - whether it’s a musician playing while you grab a bite to eat and catch up with friends, or a fundraiser dance and dinner.

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This month’s event calendar is already packed. On Friday, November 10th the Legion is hosting a Game Night. Drop in from 7 pm to 11 pm to play some games but note the kitchen will be closed as volunteers will be busy preparing for the post- Remembrance Day Service luncheon on November 11th .

November 18th the Legion hosts the annual “No Road Back” cancer benefit from 12:30 pm to 10 pm There’s a wide range of musical guests that locals will recognize: Shayne Lahay, Doc Sandman, Gibby Waynes, Jeff Goddall, Sweet Tee, Tanya Lee, Bailey and Laura Grace Ratelband, The Jim Young Experience, Greg Zaluski, Gary Gray, Hoskin and Hamilton, Greg Ginerich, B4 midnight and Bobby Banks.

A portion of the proceeds from this event, said MacLeod, go to the Wheels of Hope program which helps fund transportation for local cancer patients to travel to treatments. Last year $3,400 was raised for the program and at approximately $100 per round trip, 340 trips to treatment were fully covered, alleviating some anxiety during a stressful journey for patients

On November 25th , the Legion will transform back in time to the 1940s as the Paris Museum & Historical Society hosts A Victory Bond Dance fundraiser. This 40s themed event will give you a taste of life in Paris some 80 years ago, featuring pub-style singalongs, displayed artifacts, special stories and plenty of music and dancing. Tickets for this event are available through the museum tina lyon@theparismuseum com

If you’re social calendar is full there’s other ways to support the legion – drop by for a dinner in the evenings or a BBQ in the summer months, buy a poppy or participate in an elimination draw (there’s one happening now until December 2nd in benefit of the Paris Community Christmas Hamper program; call the Legion for details). Proceeds from Legion-hosted events, dinners and draws stay in the community.

If you’d like to learn more about the Legion, or to become a volunteer, follow them online or drop by one day to see what’s happening