Royal Canadian Legion branches across B.C. are about to get an injection of funding as their dining areas re-open – though exact figures haven’t been made available for individual branches yet.
On June 2, the provincial government announced $1.5 million of new funding will be distributed, mirroring relief funds received by food and beverage businesses in April.
BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion said in a release the funds were to be distributed to the 145 branches across the province based on need.
The one-time funds will mirror the average grant provided to businesses under the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, which ranged from $2,000 to $20,000.
Some of the funding will likely go to the four legions on the Sunshine Coast, in Pender Harbour, Sechelt, Roberts Creek and Gibsons, Bryan Lutz, BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion communications coordinator, told Coast Reporter in an email, though it will be a few weeks before they know how the funding will be distributed.
“Legions play an important role in our communities, caring for the people who have served our nation,” Premier John Horgan said in a separate release from the province.
“Our government committed to finding a solution, and we're delivering support to ensure legions can keep serving veterans, their families and our communities.”
A significant portion of the funds the legions raise come from food and beverage services. Although legions were impacted by the public order that prohibited indoor dining between April 21 and May 24, because of their non-profit status, they did not receive similar funds to restaurants from the Circuit Breaker grant.
“As June 6, the annual date when we remember D-Day and the Invasion of Normandy approaches our 47,000 members in BC and Yukon are especially encouraged that we can continue our mission,” Val MacGregor, president of the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, said in a release.
