The Charleswood Legion recently received an injection of funding from the federal government to help with much-needed repairs to its aging building.

On Nov. 12, Charleswood Branch No. 100 received $59,000 in funds to help replace its 42-year-old leaky roof, replace the ceiling and lighting, install new insulation and conduct other general repairs.

"It’s really a token of the gratitude towards everything the Charleswood Legion has done in our community," said Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia MP Steven Fletcher, who announced the funding as part of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.

The Legion estimates the cost of repairs will be $118,000. It already has $29,000 in its building fund and is waiting to see if the city will approve a $30,000 request for funds.
Fletcher said he always thought the Legion was a unique place while he was growing up.

"It was the coolest thing for a young kid to drive down Roblin and then see a tank. It’s a landmark and it’s really something that leaves an impression," he said.

But it’s more than just a landmark for Fletcher.

"Of course you have the tank out front, but it is well used as a community centre for people to meet, socialize, share fellowship and friendship," he said.

"Any anything we can do to facilitate that I think is a good thing."

The Charleswood Legion has approximately 850 members, about 148 of whom belong to its seniors club.

Don Collins, a senior club member and a former sergeant-at-arms, uses the facilities at least three times a week to play crib, darts and more.

"The branch has needed a replacement roof for a lot of years," he said.
Collins said he is pleased about the funding because the Legion only has so much money to spend on big capital projects like this one.

"Everything is appreciated within the community because our branch supports a couple of cadet corps and the Deer Lodge Hospital, Charleswood Care Centre and the Tuxedo Villa, along with some of the schools."

Legion president Don Pickering agreed.

"We didn’t have the money to do the project on our own so we’re very appreciative of the funding," he said.

Pickering said he believes the upgrades will keep people coming through the doors for a long time.

"We’re anticipating that people will be very pleased with the results," he said.
Pickering anticipates work to begin in the near future and could be completed by the end of January at the earliest.

For more, visit www.rclwinnipeg100.ca.

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