Should the federal government help struggling Legion branches?

Its a story Royal Canadian Legion branches and other veterans organizations have been telling for years. Aging buildings. Dwindling membership. Trouble finding new members and making ends meet.

Now, the city wants to help local branches put together a survival plan, but it's an ideathat isn't getting a warm reception fromfederal Legion officials.

I write the cheques, and I try to figure out which one Im going to pay first.- ChristineCholette, treasurer, Royal Canadian Legion branch 58

On Tuesday, the citys veterans committee voted to spendtwo months conferring with Legion branches and veteran service clubs on how to be more sustainable.

The exercise will end with a letter to Veterans Affairs Canada about possible sustainable funding to help clubs stay afloat, saidCoun. SamMerulla, a committee member. But federal Legion leaders are wary of any plans that might divert limited federal money to legion branches, away from serving veterans directly.

Merulla's east Hamilton ward has a lot of veterans organizations. Hes heard from many of them about their declining membership and declining revenue.

Its not a new problem, and its not only a local problem. Its a national problem. And we need to find new tools to allow them to be sustainable.

Theyre all on the brink, he said.

If council ratifies the decision this month, the city will extend an invitation to Hamilton veterans organizations asking for input on how they can be more sustainable, Merulla said.The city is also inviting the Minister of Veterans Affairs to the unveiling of a new memorial in Gore Park next year.

Struggle to survive

Christine Cholette is treasurer of the 87-year-old Royal Canadian Legion branch 58 on Barton Street East. Its the citys oldest branch, and she worries every day about its survival.

At one time, the branch had more than 2,000 members, she said. Now it has about 300.

I write the cheques, and I try to figure out which one Im going to pay first.

Branch president Jeannette Scott, whos been there for 44 years, said these lean years are unprecedented. She traces the downturn back to when the province banned smoking there. Revenues took a dip and never really recovered, she said.

There are other factors, such as an aging membership and lack of new members. The branch used to be full of veterans who worked at Stelco and Dofasco, she said. But as the companies cut jobs, veterans moved to other areas of the city.

Money should go directly to veterans

Also, Canada simply has fewer citizens fighting in wars than 70 years ago, hence fewer veterans, Scott said. And even though non-veterans can join Legions, it means fewer are looking.

Last June, on my first day of this term, we owed hydro $18,000, she said. Now were only a month behind in all our bills. But its a struggle to get the money together.

If the idea is going to Veterans Affairs and asking them to support Legions, were not in favour of that.-Bruce Julian, provincial commander, Royal Canadian Legion

There used to be nearly 400 members in the ladies auxiliary, said Shirley Fearnley, president of the auxiliary. Now there are about 30.

But Gord Moore of Waterloo, national president of the Royal Canadian Legion, doesnt like the idea of asking Veterans Affairs for help.

The national organization, formed in 1926, already lobbies Veterans Affairs for money for veterans services, he said. If theres money to be had, it should go to that and not branches.

Legions need to downsize

Provincial command helps struggling branches, he said. He also recommends branches sell their large buildings and downsize if they cant afford the upkeep.

The Legion has also launched theOne ByOne membership campaign, where existing members encourage their friends and families to join. That includes encouraging younger veterans.

Moore hasnt seen any figures yet. But in theory, he said, it should work.

Im not trying to discourage the committee.All Im saying is we have to look at other avenues.

Branches are closing

Bruce Julian, provincial president, agrees.

If the idea is going to Veterans Affairs and asking them to support Legions, were not in favour of that, he said.

They are hurting, and its incumbent of us as a city to take the lead.- Coun. Sam Merulla

The very existence of Legion branches benefits veterans, he said. But abranch is supposed to survive on a good business plan.

Many branches are struggling, he said. Already this year, two have closed in Toronto.

But city governments are in the best position to help, he said. Many, such as Hamilton, offer tax exemptions. But the city also determines how much gaming revenue branches get to keep through fundraisers such as bingo, break-open tickets, 50/50 draws or meat draws.

If I remember correctly, weve always had a little bit of a problem in Hamilton of not wanting to give more than two per cent of the profit to a branch, Juliansaid. In a lot of municipalities, its up to 50 per cent.

Legion contributionsare'astronomical'

The general issues committee will approve the decision on April 16, followed by council on April 23.

The citys veterans committee is comprised of veterans and two council representatives, and everyone agreed to the move, Merulla said.

Legion branches must be preserved, Merullasaid. They hold community fundraisers. They act as meeting places. Their contribution is astronomical."

They are hurting, and its incumbent of us as a city to take the lead, he said.

We want to put together a plan of action.