Warkworth, On – On Saturday, The Royal Canadian Legion, Warkworth Branch 380 members celebrated news of a siding-retrofit to produce an energy efficient building made possible with a $13,900 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). MPP for Northumberland Quinte West Lou Rinaldi joined OTF representative Gladys Petherick in congratulating legion members at their annual BBQ.
“The Royal Canadian Legion Warkworth Branch 380 has an outstanding history of serving veterans and their dependants, promoting remembrance and acting in the service of Canada,” said MPP Rinaldi. “I am pleased to know that, thanks to this grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, this community hub has taken steps to improve its energy efficiency to further support our healthy and vibrant community.”
A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. The OTF grant is a morale boost for the executive officers of the Legion who have made steady progress to improve its facility. The Legion will contribute $4,000 to the retrofit. The money was raised from monthly breakfasts that are open to the community. It is an important project as the present siding is over 35 years old, is faded and nails were being used to hold the sheet metal in place. The siding will be royal blue in respect of legion colours (blue and gold).
“The Legion’s mission is to serve our communities,” said project team leader, Joyce Nickerson. “The siding retrofit will hopefully strengthen a long-term commitment (another 25-40 years), and diminish any negative impact to our small municipality. We thank OTF for recognizing our undertakings, and volunteer contributions.”
The Warkworth Legion received its Charter in 1946 and has been serving the veterans, their families and the community. In 2009, the community booked the hall on 113 occasions, and there were 135 legion events held. Donations to community organizations totaled more than $8,000 and equipment purchases $9,000; a remarkable accomplishment for 164 members. Anyone interested in joining the Warkworth Legion or looking to book an event should contact 705-924-2007 for more information.
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For more information, please contact:
Len Kenny, Public Relations
705-778-2527