BY PAUL REID

Members from Collingwood Neighbourhood House, RC INTERactive, Renfrew Collingwood Multicultural Artists Network, Still Moon Arts Society and, of course, the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News met with members of Collingwood Legion Branch #48 to tour the former Jaguar’s Pub location at Kingsway and Tyne. Following the tour, those present brainstormed on ways that this location might be used by Branch #48 in conjunction with these community groups.

We toured the former pub location and learned that mold issues will have the City of Vancouver needing to tear the place apart. Therefore, it will not be ready for about another year. The good news is that this renovation could be customized to fit the needs of Branch #48 and other local organizations. For instance, the rather large main room might be sectioned off or turned into more of a flex space. As you can see from the pictures, the place is currently quite a mess but does contain the basics of what Branch #48 is looking for.

While the location undergoes its renovations, the Branch needs to get their act together by the end of December – so that they are not dissolved. To aid in this, the Branch is seeking more people to come forward to become Legion members. Increasing the Branch’s membership would help their move to this location more feasible.

And this is where you come in, my friends.

We need to help the Branch this year especially by signing up as many new members as it is going to take. Membership is currently $40/year. I’m in. Who is with me? In fact, I am going to go in for two memberships, and I want to see who will match me.

To start, fill in your name and say “Please add me to the Legion #48 Community Supporters List” in the comment box below.

This is the blank slate that local MP Don Davies was talking about. The Legion needs to really rethink what its plans are, not just with our Branch #48, but with branches right across the country. Here is a great chance to set a new precedent where the Legion works hand in hand with other community organizations to move forward. We all want it here in RC = the organizations have spoken loud and clear. They want to help Branch #48 so that Branch #48 can continue to be a force in this community as they have been since before 1926, the year they became part of the Legion.

Do you have stories of being part of Branch #48 or how they’ve helped the community? Let us know. Email rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca.

To help, please add your name to a Community Supporters List for Collingwood Legion Branch #48. Just fill out the contact form below and we will add you to the list. Thank you for supporting Collingwood Legion Branch #48!

Please add in the comment box: Yes, add me to the Legion #48 Community Supporters List.

Copyright (c) 2014 Renfrew-Collingwood Community News