The Sechelt Legion has reached the point of bankruptcy and is looking for donations to make it one more month. In that time members are hopeful a solution can be found, “but right now we’re kind of at the 11th hour,” said Paul Lith, chair of the Legion’s finance committee, noting an emergency meeting of the membership has been called for Aug. 23.
“Everyone is working out the details for possible solutions, including selling the property and downsizing the branch to a more manageable size,” Lith said.
“To do that, the branch needs cash now to buy time.”
Lith has appealed to the public to help keep the Legion open in the past, by patronizing the establishment or booking parties or events to hold there, but the pleas haven’t resulted in any lasting customers.
This time, he said, donations of cash or in-kind help are essential to the Legion’s survival.
In-kind donations of things like construction services, a new oven, a better sound system, improved lighting and a digital sign outside could draw more business to the Legion, Lith said, which could generate the cash needed to keep the doors open.
He said some people in the community might think the Sechelt Legion has money available, as the organization donates to needy groups each year, but the branch is mandated to donate almost 97 per cent of all funds it raises annually.
“The truth is that the Sechelt Legion is in dire straits and in desperate need,” Lith said.
If you would like to help, contact Sechelt Legion president Kay Metcalfe at 604-885-2526.
