Moose Jaw branch of Royal Canadian Legion unveils new location

The Moose Jaw branch of the Royal Canadian Legion officially opened the doors to its new location Friday. Jacob Carr has the story.

A ribbon cutting and a bagpipe procession officially unveiled the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59’s new location in Moose Jaw on Friday.

After nearly a century at its old location, the legion has found a new home at 693 Fairford Street West.

President of the branch Christine Simpson told CTV News that it was time for a change and a smaller space, and seeing all of the community’s hard work come to fruition brought out some emotions in her.

“Very emotional, everyone that put the time and the energy and the thoughts and the progress that we’ve made from a year ago when we got this building,” she said.

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Longtime branch member and volunteer Ester Macaulay was chosen to cut the ceremonial cake, which displayed a side-by-side photo of the old building and the new one.

Macaulay says it was a no brainer to choose to volunteer since her husband is a veteran.

“I’ve only been here for about 29 years as a member, but I worked here for ten years, selling tickets and a janitor when I first started,” she said. “I run the crib on Tuesday afternoon, and I help with bingo on Monday night.”

Simpson shares a similar sentiment, having served in the military from 1974 to 2001, with multiple stations across Canada and one stop in Germany.

Simpson has been a legion member since the beginning of her military service.

“It’s just a reason for being,” she said. “To look after veterans and their families and the RCMP and when everybody comes together like they are today, it just makes your heart, it’s really full. It’s been a great day.”