THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION

The Royal Canadian Legion was formed in 1926 with a membership of 50,000.  The Legion’s commitment to the Remembrance of those who gave their lives for peace and freedom, is as valid today as it was then.  Today the Legion is one of the largest community service organizations in Canada. 

As well as service to veterans and the community, the Legion has a strong continuing commitment to promoting Canada’s contribution to world peace, the protection of Canadian sovereignty and the preservation  of national unity.

As the years take their toll on Canada’s veteran population, the Legion needs the infusion of new blood in order to maintain the many services provided by The Royal Canadian Legion to communities across Canada.

Membership was originally restricted to those who had served in Canada’s Armed Forces and Merchant Navy.  The Royal Canadian Legion is proud of its military heritage and still maintains close ties with the Armed Forces today; however, over the years, categories of membership have evolved to include other members of the community. 

In Branch 165 our membership is still mainly composed of military members both Regular and Reserve, active or retired. 

ADVOCACY

The mission of the Royal Canadian Legion is “to serve veterans and their dependants, to promote Remembrance, and to act in the service of Canada and its communities.”  In essence, the purposes and objectives of the Legion were born of the need to further the spirit of comradeship and mutual assistance and to never forget the deeds of the fallen.  In addition to disabilities caused by war-time service, all armed forces and RCMP members may be eligible for disability pensions or disability awards for disabilities resulting from their service duties at home and abroad.   The Legion not only helps claimants through the sometimes daunting maze of legislation and documentation, but represent them at all levels of the process. 

 

MEMORIALS

The Legion maintains a leading role in the creation and care of memorials to the contributions and valour of our veterans and ex-service members.  The Legion is proud to accept the task of organizing Remembrance ceremonies through the country, including the National Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa.  In addition, working in concert with other veterans’ organizations and the Canadian government, the Legion all vowed to ensure that the preservation of the records and memories of our fallen heroes and returning veterans continues in perpetuity.

 

Each November the Legion sponsors a campaign, which sees Poppies distributed to Canadians of all ages, that serves to perpetuate Remembrance by ensuring that the memory and sacrifices of our war veterans are never forgotten.

 

Fort York Branch 165 asks members once a year around Remembrance Day for donations to the Poppy Trust Fund.  This is a charitable foundation which provides the funding for yearly activities for our veterans at Sunnybrook and other organizations that require our assistance. 

 

LEGION MAGAZINE

In addition to events and outings organized by your Fort York Branch 165, you will receive the Legion magazine that is published six times per annum. 

 

BENEFITS

 

The Royal Canadian Legion has established, and continues to do so, links with national companies whose products and services meet the needs and interests of RCL members.  Every firm selected offers a special or unique benefits that is not normally available to the general public.