The Summerland branch of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Ladies’ Auxiliary has been in place since 1927, but it has gone through numerous changes over the years.
This Saturday, the auxiliary will hold celebrations to mark its 85th anniversary.
“People need to know what the Legion means,” said Pat Smith, past president of the Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary. “We’re here for the love of our veterans and we’re here for the love of the community at large.”
Summerland’s Legion, one of the oldest in the country, also boasts Canada’s first Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary.
In 1923, 15 women who were later to be charter members were associated with the Great War Veterans’ Association.
The auxiliary was formed in 1926 and received its charter March 3, 1927.
When the Legion began, it was in place to help care for World War I veterans.
In 1958, the auxiliary began working to set up crosses on the graves of Summerland’s veterans.
There are now 350 crosses in place at graves in Summerland’s three cemeteries.
Efforts to help veterans are still continuing as the Legion, along with other branches across Canada, speak out on the need for the federal government to continue providing benefits for veterans.
Legion manager Elke Bewick said efforts are needed to help younger veterans who are returning from the Balkans and Afghanistan, many of them dealing with post traumatic stress.
Smith and other Ladies’ Auxiliary members also work to educate students about war and the importance of remembering the contributions made by soldiers.
The Legion organizes the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies in November and the Victory in Europe Day ceremonies in June.
While the Legion still functions to help its veterans, there is also a strong effort to provide funding for sports in the community.
In addition, the auxiliary donates to the Children’s Wish Foundation, Okanagan Similkameen Neurological Society and Junior Diabetes.
Each year, the auxiliary presents two $1,000 bursaries to graduating students.
Other contributions go to the school breakfast club programs, South Okanagan Women in Need, the Penticton Regional Hospital Society, the Alzheimer Association, the Red Cross, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Summerland Food Bank and others.
The auxiliary has been damaged by fire twice, in 1950 and 1961 when the original hall was destroyed.
Over the years, the auxiliary has bought chairs and donated funds for carpeting and flooring for the Rosedale Room, blinds for the canteen, meeting room and office as well as funds for kitchen appliances.
Merna Wicker, president of the auxiliary, said the auxiliary has provided an important support for her.
“This Legion helped me to get the confidence I have today,” she said.
Bewick said many strong friendships have been forged at the auxiliary over the years.
While the Legion and Ladies’ Auxiliary had origins as a veterans’ organization, those wishing to join today need not be veterans, Bewick said.
The anniversary celebrations will be held on Saturday, beginning with a dinner at 6 p.m.