Category: volunteer

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National Volunteer Week – Ladies Auxiliary

National Volunteer Week - LA

The Ladies’ Auxiliary is a non-profit organization operated separate from The Royal Canadian Legion… but together they thrive.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary originated during the First World War when women were asked to help wounded Veterans returning home, and to provide supports for their families. When The Royal Canadian Legion was established in 1926, these women were a welcomed addition at Legion Branches as they continued the tradition of volunteering to support needy ex-service personnel, and to enrich the programs and activities of the Branch.

Members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary support the aims and objects of The Royal Canadian Legion and today, they are a vital and integral part of the work of the Legion. Major contributors to the day-to-day life of Legion Branches, Ladies’ Auxiliaries provide financial and volunteer support to Legion programs.

The Ladies’ Auxiliaries are coordinated at the Branch level. Any woman who is eligible for membership in the Legion may choose to become a member of the Ladies Auxiliary only, or a member of both organizations.

This year alone the Ladies Auxiliary (LA) have raised just over $9,000.00 through catering, meet and 50/50/draws.

The LA’s have donated $6,850.00 to the communities of Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows and continue to support veterans in need.

Donations to date:

  • Friends in Need Food Bank
  • North Therapeutic Riding Association
  • Fraser Valley Fusion Softball
  • Emerald Pig Theatrical Society
  • Variety Club Children’s Charity
  • Maple Ridge Secondary Wrestling Team
  • Maple Ridge Secondary Basketball Team

Other causes the Ladies raise money for:

  • Guide Dogs, Alberta & BC
  • Maple Ridge Hospital Foundation
  • Parkinsons

There are 40 Ladies Auxiliary Members serving Branch #88.

By participating in meat draws, 50/50, monthly lunches and the like you are supporting the LA’s and by extension the donations they provide to the Legion and the community at large.

When you see them, please thank them for their service.

 

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National Volunteer Week – John

National Volunteer Week - John

Thank you for your service!

Veteran, John Vanderelst started volunteering at the Maple Ridge Legion in 2004 as a financial advisor to the Executive. Joined the Honour Guard and Colour Party in 2005, currently still part of the Honour Guard.

Also, in 2005 John assisted with membership. For the last 14 years John has served as our Service Officer, advocating for veterans, widows, widowers and dependants.

John has always participated in the annual poppy campaign and had many speaking engagements educating at schools, churches and various clubs.

Recently, John was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for a life of service.

Johns service to veterans and the community at large continues to be exemplary.

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National Volunteer Week 2025

National Volunteer Week 2025

It's National Volunteer Week and we want to give a shout out to the 16, yes 15 volunteers that run our meat and 50/50 draws every week.
 
Our volunteers generally work two draws per month but this varies depending on who is available. Working as a team, each person has a specific duty depending on whether they are selling the 50/50 tickets, meat draw tickets or taking the cash.
 
There are two weekly draws: Friday's at 5 and 6 pm and Sunday's at 4 and 5 pm. Each draw features 4 meat packages, with a bonus package after the final draw.
 
All monies raised are used by the branch to assist veterans and our community.
 
Remember, you need to be a Legion member or signed in by a member to enjoy our events and draws.
 
Join our Legion, support veterans.
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Volunteer - Roger Welch

Volunteer Spotlight – Roger Welch

Volunteer Spotlight – Roger Welch

Volunteer - Roger WelchRoger became a member of the Maple Ridge Legion 11 years ago and he didn’t know at the time how it would change his life. He was familiar with the Legion as his father served in World War 1 including the battle of Mons.

At a General Meeting he attended to ask for more support for playing poker: the Legion President was asking for volunteers for the “Sick and Visiting Committee”. At the same time, Roger had just applied at the hospital to visit patients that needed help and he decided to do both.

Roger visits a few dozen people a week as he walks around Baillie House to see if anyone needs a visit. Sometimes it is just a smile, tell a joke or even a quick dance. Being on the “Sick and Visiting Committee” Roger visits all Maple Ridge Legion members that would like a visit in Ridge Meadows Hospital.

A Legion member that Roger visited once a week for 6 months made a big impact on him and the member. This Legion member was in a coma for 6 months yet Roger visited once a week and just talked to him. After about 6 months he was sitting with the member who then opened his eyes and said to Roger “I love you”. A few months later the gentlemen passed away while Roger was visiting. Roger believes he waited for him to be there before he let go.

The experience left Roger with a better understanding and comfort with death. Roger came to learn that there was a difference between pain and suffering. Pain is the body telling you something is wrong and suffering is the mental part.

Helping people with their suffering, Roger says “is about helping them find purpose” by suggesting to them that at least once a day whether it is a caregiver or another patient, to give them a smile or some words of kindness will help you and them, he says.

After reading the book the Art of Happiness – Roger’s goal is to be happy and he says he has never been happier than he is right now. If you have a goal in life to be happy, the best way to achieve that goal is to make others happy.

Roger is usually in the Legion on Friday afternoons. I encourage you to say hi and even have a chat, it could be a meaningful experience.

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