LITTLE CURRENT—The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #177 in Little Current is in trouble once again. If a president for the bustling Legion cannot be found by May 31, the Legion is at risk of losing its charter and closing down.
The Legion had its annual general meeting and election of officers on Thursday, May 17, but the meeting came to an abrupt end when no one would agree to let their name stand for president.
Outgoing president Debbie Menard has acted in the top position for three years and, after guiding the Legion through some rocky times and setting it on a financially secure path, has decided to step down from the role.
“Coming into the 2015/16 term, the branch was severely in the negative financially,” Comrade Menard said in her final report to the executive. “The fundraising endeavors and events went full tilt with the executive and many volunteers and carried on thereafter. Many of those volunteers have since joined the branch. We have received excellent coverage from The Manitoulin Expositor in promoting our fundraising endeavors. Many local businesses donated towards our various events. The Little Current Lions Club has brought security in the future existence of this branch from their Catch the Ace donation proceeds.”
“In all, the tireless efforts have brought this Legion to a secure and stable financial position,” she continued. “What made it all possible is dedicated Legion members and volunteers. It has been getting tiresome in recent months, as the journey was a long one. However, just look back and so much has been accomplished. That in itself is very rewarding.”
Comrade Menard explained that the Legion was told that another election must be called, for Thursday, May 31 at 7 pm, and at that time, if no president is elected, Dominion Command may pull the Legion’s 88-year-old charter after more than a half-century service.
“It’s a healthy branch, with full membership,” said Comrade Roy Eaton.
Comrades Eaton and Menard shared that the Ladies’ Auxiliary is also facing a similar problem. Not one person allowed their name to stand for election during its annual general meeting. Another election was to be held yesterday, May 22, and if no one comes forward, they will likely lose their charter.
In January, the Espanola Legion’s Ladies’ Auxiliary closed down. “They were a small group of very tired, burned out women,” Comrade Eaton said.
Anyone can run for the Legion executive who has had one year in an executive role at any time in the past. To be a director, one has to have been a member of the Legion for one year.
The May 31 elections will look for the positions of president, first, second and third vice presidents and seven directors. The president appoints the secretary/treasurer and all committee chairs.
The May 31 meeting at 7 pm will strictly be for elections and if no one runs for president, the meeting will be immediately adjourned.
