Volunteers step up to save the Vernon Legion from closure

VERNON – A last minute call for help to keep the Vernon Legion open has been answered.

Outgoing president Bill Balcaen, who said earlier this year the local branch would have to close its doors unless people came forward to sit on the board, had good news to share today, March 21.

“We had a meeting last night and it was well attended. We got a full slate to carry on,” Balcaen says.

He says the new board members — most of whom are longstanding members — still have to be approved by the B.C. Legion command, but should be announced in the near future.

“They all are qualified and did not want the Legion to go away or go down,” Balcaen says. 

He says there was an immense sense of relief at last night’s meeting when it was confirmed that enough people were willing to assume executive roles and keep up the branch’s operations.

“We had a lot of people telling us they really didn’t want to see the Legion lost,” Balcaen says.

Last night’s meeting was attended by roughly 20 people.


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Charlotte Helston

REPORTER

Charlotte Helston grew up in Armstrong and after four years studying writing at the University of Victoria, she came back to do what she loves most: Connect with the community and bringing its stories to life.

Covering Vernon for iNFOnews.ca has reinforced her belief in community. The people and the stories she encounters every day—at the courthouse, City Hall or on the street—show the big tales in a small town.

If you have an opinion to share or a story you'd like covered, contact Charlotte at Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230.

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