Legion #1 in desperate need of donations to repair historical downtown building

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #1 is in dire need of donations. It needs to repair its roof, and that's expected to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It will cost more than $300,000 to repair the Royal Canadian Legion #1 branch in downtown Calgary, and despite historical society and city grants, members are asking the public for help.

“We have the emergency roof repair, which is going to get started on the Monday following the Stampede, if weather co-operates,” said president Phil MacAulay.

That emergency roof repair cost an initial $12,000 for an assessment, with grant funding covering $10,000 of it.

But the actual repairs will cost around $30,000 more.

“Any work that’s done in the building, we have to go through the heritage society and the city,” said MacAulay.

“So it’s bureaucracy, red tape, which is fine, but it takes longer.”

The entire roof will need repairing at the 7th Ave S.E. location, which MacAulay says is estimated to be around $270,000 or more.

The Legion is also in need of a $15,000 upgrade to its HVAC system, and the windows—the originals since 1922—also need replacing after standing strong for more than a century.

But he says fewer people are accessing the Legion and it is seeking donations.

“You get a good turnout on Remembrance Day, or if you get a special function of some sort in here, you get the crowds, but other than that, it’s a hard sell,” said MacAulay.

“Lack of participation, membership is dwindling. They’re aging out. You don’t get as many people to volunteer when you need help.”

MacAulay says the repairs are hopefully going to be completed over the next five to seven years.

MacAulay says the Legion has also partnered with a new business in the northeast called Western Health Care.

On Aug. 23, the business plans to host a fundraiser for the Legion, with all proceeds going to help with the roof repair.

Arlene Thoreson, senior business development manager, says the idea was sparked from a gala last year.

“They (veterans) helped us out so much in providing us safety and a good quality of life in this country, so we want to support them in their need,” she said.

“We’re putting up a QR code on our website as well for Western Health Care, so any of our vendors or people that we align with and support out in the community otherwise can help out with donating that way. We’re looking to have some silent auction items as well.”

The fundraiser will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 3651 19th St. N.E.

Geetika Mehta, office manager, says many of the clients that buy the company’s selection of medical equipment are seniors and veterans.

“Our main focus, our main aim, is to help our community,” said Mehta.

“And especially the seniors, the veterans or whoever is in need of this equipment for their daily living aid.”

Western Health Care offers wheelchairs and toilet, stair and shower assistance equipment, along with other medical equipment.

Legion staff are thankful for the support.

To date, $6,000 has been raised, and the Legion is accepting donations inside its doors with the tap of a credit card or online.

MacAuley is hopeful this push for donations is also a call for more people to join a Legion.

“Anyone can join the Legion. All you have to be is a Canadian citizen, period. End of the story,” he said.