Legion Branch 43 donates $55,000 to four local causes

Branch president Ken Pendergast says the reason is simple.

“For far too long, Prince George being the hub of central and northern British Columbia, the people in Prince George have had to go south for treatment,” Pendergast said. “The advent of a new cardiac ward is an absolute asset to the people in Prince George, and we want to support that.”

Pendergast explained that the need is increasing as members get older.

“Unfortunately, all of us are getting older,” he said.

The rest of the money will go to three other organizations. The Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society will get $10,000 for end-of-life care. The Canadian Cancer Society’s Kordyban Lodge will also receive $10,000 for programs that help veterans and seniors. New Beginnings Men’s Shed will get $5,000 to help build its new facility.

Pendergast said the hospice donation was an easy decision.

“There are a lot of our members that at some point in time will need the services and the assistance that’s provided by our hospice house in Prince George,” he said.

He said the Men’s Shed gives veterans something different: a sense of connection.

“These men’s sheds in the community give some of our veterans the opportunity to go and physically work with their hands, and to socialize with other people, similar-minded people in the community,” Pendergast said.

He said the branch has long valued the work done at Kordyban Lodge and wanted to keep supporting it. All of the money comes from the annual Poppy and Wreath Program. These funds are set aside for veterans and their families and cannot be used for other purposes.e.

These donations are possible thanks to the generosity of local people. Pendergast said the community gave over $78,000 through the program in 2025.

“I don’t know whether that’s a record, but it’s a record in my book,” he said. “The public in Prince George has been extremely generous in support of the Royal Canadian Legion.”

Pendergast said the branch usually raises about $75,000 each year. He believes the money should be put to good use.

“The money sitting in the bank is not doing anything for the various venues in Prince George,” he said.

He said the branch keeps some money in reserve to buy the poppies and wreaths needed for the next campaign. Everyone who supports the Poppy Campaign each year. He said that support lets the Legion honour veterans while making sure help is there when they need it most.

by Dave Branco

Legion Branch 43 donates $55,000 to four local causes

What's Trending