Supporting a Legion member

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This article was published 07/09/2018 (2842 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Portage la Prairie Legion Branch No. 65 might have to waive its entry rules and let a four-footed guest in on Sat., Sept. 15.

That’s the night that Legion members are holding a fundraising social. Legionnaires Take a Bite Out of PTSD, to support fellow Legionnaire and former RCMP member Anita Hart and help her pay for the cost of a service dog. Hart has been diagnosed with PTSD.

“She’s hoping to have the dog here that night,” said Legion president Bob Oldford.

Hart said her dog, Jetti, is a black lab that is being trained by Search and Rescue Manitoba, a process that takes over two years. The total cost of training is approximately $20,000. These dogs are specially bred and more thoroughly trained than companion dogs.

“I’m now trying to train with Jetti about once a week,” Hart said, adding that the next step is having the dog stay overnight for one night at her home.

She believes that Jetti will help her cope with the extreme anxiety she feels when in a crowded and noisy environment.

Hart hasn’t been able to receive any health care funding for her dog and said she is very grateful for the help she’s receiving from the Portage Legion.

“I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of the Legion.”

The fundraiser runs from 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 275 Duke Ave., with entertainment by DJ Heavy C. Food and drinks are available for purchase and there will be a silent auction and door prizes.

Tickets are $10 at the door and Oldford encourages people who aren’t able to attend in person to buy a support ticket for $10. A special prize draw will be made using the names of those who buy support tickets. All proceeds will go to Hart.

Tickets are available at the Portage Legion or call 204-857-5558 or email rcl65@shaw.ca