Local branch to celebrate ANAVET’s Day

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/03/2012 (5239 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Rockwood Unit 303 of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada along with other ANAVET Units across the country will open their doors to the public on Sat., April 7 as part of this year’s ANAVETS Day activities.

“It’s an open house,” said Tom Munro, president of Rockwood Unit 303, which is located at 341 Wilton St. near Rockwood Avenue. The celebration will begin with sporting events at 2 p.m. and novelty events later in the afternoon.

At 4 p.m., the Rockwood and Korean Veterans Association colour parties, the 303 Pipes and Drums Band plus unit members will parade and perform near the unit. Upon the band’s arrival at the unit, Munro will take the microphone.  Next, all those who marched in the parade will gather for a balloon release.

A buffet supper and music by the BIIVVER band will be among the other highlights of the open house.

Rockwood Unit 330’s history dates back to 1948 when a group of Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans decided to form a unit to support their community and each other. Today you do not have to be a veteran to join ANAVETS.

“In fact we have quite a few members that have never been veterans,” Munro said, adding club members can play pool, cards or shuffleboard for $37 a year. “We get by without bingo.”

A chef is in the kitchen from Wednesday to Saturday. Every Thursday he prepares a hearty smorgasbord. On Friday and Saturday nights visitors can dance to the sounds of a live band.

The unit building is well maintained. The next big project for its membership is a wheelchair/walker ramp, which will create greater accessibility for members and visitors.

Rockwood Unit 303 does a lot more than sustain itself. The 400-plus members recently raised money and donated funds, clothes and equipment to Siloam Mission. With an eye to youth, the unit helped in the creation of the ANAVETS Bowl high school football championship, and supports the Rockwood and Harrow school safety patrols.

Remembrance Day visits to schools by the Unit’s Service Officer and other members keep the memories of war and sacrifice alive, and though you can look at replicas of World War II hero Tommy Prince’s war medals in the club, the historic medals remain in Canada thanks in part to a contribution by Rockwood Unit 303.

On April 7 visit the oldest veteran’s organization in Canada. The first ANAVET members were veterans of the War of 1812.

Dianne Doney is a community correspondent for Fort Rouge. You can contact her at diannemary@hotmail.com.