With all aplomb and proper flourish, the Ladies’ Auxiliary (LA) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 celebrated their 80^th anniversary recently with a formal dinner at the branch in Gananoque. From members of the LA to dignitaries, 80 guests enjoyed a dinner prepared by the branch and served by members and volunteers.

“The Ladies’ Auxiliary is a non-profit organization operated separately from the Royal Canadian Legin, but together they thrive,” said Sheri Godfrey, emcee. “The Ladies’ Auxiliary originated during the First World War when women were asked to help wounded veterans returning home and to provide supports for their families. When the Royal Canadian Legion was established in 1926, these women were a welcomed addition at Legion branches as they continued the tradition of volunteering to support needy ex-service personnel, and to enrich the programs and activities of the branch.

“Members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary support the aims and objectives of the Royal Canadian Legion and today they are a vital and integral part of the work of the Legion. Major contributors to the day-to-day life of Legion branches, Ladies’ Auxiliaries provide financial and volunteer support to Legion programs.”

Among the distinguished guests seated at the head table were Zone Commander Laura Blair, Gananoque Mayor John Beddows (a 30-year veteran of the Canadian Forces) and his wife, Sergeant at Arms Shirley Howard, and Branch 92 President Bob Howard. Each presented a speech detailing the importance of the LA informing everyone as to how much they appreciate them and the tireless work they perform for the legion and the local community.

“The Ladies’ Auxiliaries are coordinated at the branch level,” said Godfrey. “Any woman who is eligible for membership in the Legion may choose to become a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary only or a member of both organizations.”

The LA makes frequent contributions to the community both financially and through their various charitable deeds including catering for special events and other activities. In their past fiscal year they have given financial assistance to Ride for Refuge, Homes for Heroes, Christmas for Kids, Wheels of Care, Gananoque Food Bank, Gananoque Salvation Army, Ontario Command Charitable Foundation, Veterans Wish List, Homeless Vets, Ontario Command Provincial Bursary, Feed the People, Canadian Guide Dogs, Linklater Breakfast Club, Almost Home, Saint Joseph’s Breakfast Club, and the Gananoque and District Humane Society. These donations totaled $7,950 for the year. They also contribute about $20,000 per year to Branch 92.

The piper for the evening was Tristan Perry of the Princess of Wales Own Regiment Foundation with the toast to the piper performed by Comrade Debbie Lloyd. Toasts were also given to the King, Ladies Auxiliary Comrade Laura Blair Zone Commander, fallen comrades, and the assembled party.

About 45 local businesses contributed prizes and other items to the evening. Their generosity was much appreciated by the LA.

Members Dorothy Jocko and Lenore Brennan each received special recognition for 30 years of service.

“We are honored to have such an excellent Ladies’ Auxiliary associated with our legion,” said Branch President Bob Howard. “Their tireless work and contribution not only to this Legion but to the local community is unsurpassed. We wish them all the best in the future.”

To learn more about the Legion and the LA, go to www.rclbranch92.com/index.html . To become a member, go to www.legion.ca/docs/default-source/forms/new-legion_membership-application_en.pdf?sfvrsn=2 .