John Woods
By Charlene Papasodaro
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—The Royal Canadian Legion has 1,350 branches across the country, founded under the name The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League in 1925, by veterans and for veterans. Many people still believe that one must be a veteran or serving member of the military to be a member of a Legion branch, but “that’s not true,” said John Woods, President of the Dunnville Legion, Branch 142.
Woods became a member in 2008 after retiring from work as a bus driver. He explained he and his late wife joined “for the social side of things.” It was something for them to do outside the home with various meetings and fundraising dinners.
“We’ve been happy,” said Woods on their decision to join. Woods went into the Branch Executive in 2009 and has been president for almost two and a half years. Terms are only two years, however, due to COVID-19 restrictions they have been unable to hold a new vote.
Woods doesn’t mind the extension however, as he says of being on the executive, “It can be very rewarding.”
Woods is far from being the only member with no military background. he noted, “In actual fact it’s just a small percent that are veterans.”
A large number of members are the family of veterans. The Royal Canadian Legion’s website says that across Canada, veterans and their families make up about 75% of the Legions’ membership. However, “it’s open to everyone,” said Woods, “provided you have the same aims” and are at least 18 years of age.
“We aim to help veterans and other organizations,” said Woods, listing many local programs, such as the food bank, Meals on Wheels, hospitals, cadets, and more that have benefited.
Much of the work revolves around the community. Along with donating money to the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation, they also donate to Juravinski Hospital.
“It’s not local but it’s used by our locals,” he explained. The Legion website states its mission is “to serve veterans, including serving military and RCMP members and their families, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our communities and our country.” Along with helping locally, the Legion supports and advocates for the wellbeing for veterans and their families across Canada.
Membership fees, which can vary by branch, are $46 per year at the Dunn-ville branch and gets you a subscription to the Legion magazine. A portion of the fee goes to the dominion and supporting national and provincial programs. Right now, there is a 2021 early bird membership fee rate of $42 until November 30, 2020.
“That money goes a long way,” said Woods. There are also dinners and other events that help to raise money for the programs they support.
“We help so many people. We give so much away and we enjoy doing it,” he concluded.
