By Greg Fry

Federal funding

Prince George Legion receives federal funding to stay afloat during COVID-19 pandemic

Jan 5, 2021 | 1:30 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 Prince George has received some much needed financial relief from the federal government.

Chairman Sheldon Clare says they have received just under $12,000, which is part of $7.2 million distributed to legions country-wide to help them keep their doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re very grateful for this support during this difficult time. It’s certainly making a difference in allowing us to continue our operations,” says Clare.

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“As you can imagine, we’ve had to cut back on many of our social events due to this particular economic and social and health disaster. And this has really affected our ability to do a lot of the good works we do.”

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Clare says they’ve still been able to carry on some of their work, including this fall’s poppy campaign and Saturday morning pancake breakfasts.

So, how badly was the money needed?

“Well, we had a number of operational expenses, which were not being met because of the loss of income. Things like paying our leasing, looking after our maintenance, repairs, supply issues. All of these things we are dependent upon regular interactions with customers, clients, members, who are supporting the branch. So, this is a good sort of a kick and shortfall help to be able to allow us to continue to operations.”

Cariboo Prince George Conservative MP Todd Doherty says while he applauds the funding, he hopes it isn’t too little to late.

“We applaud the government for actually heeding the calls from the opposition to support our largest veteran support organization in our country,” he says.

“There’s over 1,380 branches and we’ve been calling on the government to support them. Provide funding so that they can keep their doors open.

“The legions across the country have a hard time at the best of times keeping the doors open and I don’t want to say that this funding is too little too late, because we applaud them for providing this funding. But more is needed.”