Royal Canadian Legion Celebrates 100 Years of Community Support

The Royal Canadian Legion is commemorating a century of service to veterans and communities across Canada. Founded in the aftermath of the First World War, the Legion was officially incorporated in July 1926. That same year, Regina Branch No. 1 became the first branch to receive a charter, marking a significant milestone in its history.

Anthony Walsh, Vice-President of the Regina Legion, noted that “times have changed.” Today, a majority of their membership comprises civilians and descendants of veterans rather than veterans or active military personnel. The Legion began as a haven for veterans of the First and Second World Wars to share their experiences and find support, a tradition that persists today. Walsh emphasized that the Legion continues to be a vital resource, stating, “(The Legion) is still relevant. It’s still providing that necessary cushion and support for our veterans, their families, and their descendants.”

Expanding Outreach and Engagement

Over the years, the Legion has broadened its outreach initiatives. Members, including Walsh, actively engage with youth in schools to promote remembrance and awareness of veterans’ sacrifices. This educational aspect is one of the highlights of their work. “At the end of the day, we as a society have to remember the sacrifices that our men and women paid,” Walsh remarked.

In recognition of its centenary, the Royal Canadian Mint recently unveiled collector’s coins celebrating the Legion’s legacy. The Regina branch is planning centennial celebrations for November, while the official anniversary will be observed in July 2026. Despite facing financial challenges, high rental costs, and declining membership, more than 1,350 branches remain active across the country. Recently, a branch in Nova Scotia was compelled to close due to these ongoing issues.

The Regina branch itself faced a similar crisis a few years ago. Henry Sobchyshyn, Branch Sergeant-at-Arms, recalled a particularly difficult period just before the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the branch had to close its doors. “The leanest period was just before COVID-19, and then we closed right down during COVID-19,” he said. Following the pandemic, they had to rebuild from the ground up in 2022.

Today, Sobchyshyn indicates that the branch is experiencing a resurgence, boasting 400 members and continuing to grow. Although attendance is far from the bustling atmosphere of the 1960s, when the halls were filled with veterans, Sobchyshyn notes, “people are starting to come back.”

Innovative Strategies for Growth

In the wake of financial difficulties, the non-profit has adopted creative strategies for fundraising, including crib and dart leagues, weekly dinners, and renting out space. The branch sold its building over a decade ago and now leases space from the buyer, utilizing part of the premises for an Italian café and converting the rest into a parkade.

Branch President Reid Hill, who joined the Legion about a decade ago at age 27, emphasized the importance of attracting younger members. “It’s now a matter of getting younger people, like myself, interested in what we do.” To facilitate growth, the Legion is offering free registration for new members this year, acknowledging the competition it faces from other service clubs in the city.

Hill recognizes the challenge of communicating the Legion’s mission to the public, as much of their work focuses on donations and bursaries. “A lot of things we do, you’ll never see,” he explained, adding that the Legion should not be perceived solely as an “old boys club.” He encourages young people to visit the branch and discover the initiatives available to them.

The current membership primarily consists of veterans in their late 20s to 40s. Hill is looking for volunteers from this age group to engage with veterans over a cup of coffee, fostering connections and support. “They need the help, and they need someone who may be able to speak their language,” he said.

Looking ahead, Hill hopes to see more young individuals take on leadership roles within the Legion, ensuring the organization remains vibrant and relevant for another century. As the Royal Canadian Legion enters its second century, its commitment to supporting veterans and their families remains steadfast, adapting to the changing needs of the community.