THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION

 MISSION
The Mission of The Royal Canadian Legion is to serve veterans and their dependents, promote Remembrance and act in the service of Canada and its communities.

As well, The Royal Canadian Legion has a strong and continued commitment in promoting Canada's contribution to world peace, the protection of Canadian sovereignty and the preservation of national unity.

BACKGROUND

The Royal Canadian Legion, formed in 1926, is a non-profit, membership supported fraternal organization.  It originally served as a place of camaraderie, support and advocacy, assisting returning military personnel to ease the transition from war to civilian life.

Since that time the Legion has evolved into one of the foremost and respected community service organizations in Canada.  Serving veterans, ex-service personnel and their families, the new military, as well as seniors and youth, the Legion significantly contributes to every aspect of community life.
 
The Royal Canadian Legion also holds the sacred trust of ensuring the tradition of Remembrance is observed by Canadians every year at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.  This tradition dates back to the First World War when the guns fell silent, marking the end of military conflict and the Remembrance of those who would never return home.  The National Poppy and Remembrance Campaign raise funds for veterans and their families, the new military and others who are disadvantaged.

Our Nation’s values and societal traditions are very much mirrored through the community work supported by The Royal Canadian Legion, past, present and future.  It is a vital community organization.  It is a community organization which has served the nation well in whatever capacity was required for the time.  And it is a community organization designed to improve the quality of life for all, embrace youth leadership and development and enshrine Remembrance into the fabric of Canadian society.   
           
DOMINION COMMAND OVERVIEW
The Royal Canadian Legion has a national membership of 400,000 Legionnaire volunteers throughout Canada, USA and Europe.  In addition to this there are 40,000 national members of the Ladies Auxiliary.  Legion Branches are located in 1,600 communities in Canada as well as Legion Branches operating in the United States, Germany and the Netherlands.  Nation-wide the Legion contributes in excess of $335 Million towards the economic impact in communities annually, to improve the quality of life for those in need.

BC/YUKON COMMAND OVERVIEW

BC/Yukon Command of The Royal Canadian Legion with 156 Branches, over 100 Ladies Auxiliaries and almost 75,000 members, receives no government funding.  BC/Yukon Legionnaires and members of the Ladies Auxiliary contribute in excess of $3.0 Million to communities every year.  These funds are raised through membership drives, fundraisers, donations and sporting and social activities held at Legion Branches and in the community.  

BC/Yukon Command also works in partnership with a multitude of government and community, health, social and eductional agencies. Through these intergovernmental working relationships, the Legion takes the iniative to design and support unique progams where  inequities in services are identified.  These unique BC/Yukon Command programs, improve the quality of life of others, including:  

• Canadian Forces Members
• Veterans and Seniors
• Youth, and
•  Community Citizens

BC/Yukon Command also established a Legion Foundation which accepts charitable donations and bequests for: geriatric medical research and bursaries; affordable assisted living facilities; youth leadership and development; and a wide range of health and social services in the community. 

Every year BC/Yukon Poppy and Remembrance Campaign raises approximately $2.6 Million.  These funds are redirected to ex-service personnel and their dependents as well as others in the community who are disadvantaged.

This marshalling of  volunteer support by Legionnaires and members of the Ladies Auxiliary, together with their fundraising which suports the social, health, educational and economic growth of communities, is a proud testament to the longstanding commitment of BC/Yukon Command in serving for the greater good of mankind.

BC/YUKON VETERAN STATISTICS

As of March 31, 2007 the following approximate  stastistics are recorded by Veterans Affairs Canada.

55,880     War Service Veterans of which 19,718 are clients of Veterans Affairs Canada.

79,940     Canadian Forces Veterans of which 7,498 are clients of Veterans Affairs Canada.

SUPPORTING VETERANS OF THE CARIBBEAN

The Royal Canadian Legion is a member of The Royal Commonwealth Ex-service League (RCEL) supporting veterans and ex-service members of Commonwealth Countries.

In 1966 the Legion made a commitment to co-ordinate and assist the member organizations in the Caribbean area and established the RECL Welfare Fund for this purpose.  Funds raised and administered through the fund assist veterans in 15 member countries in the Caribbean region.

Assistance is provided for such things as:  adequate housing for those in need, clothing, eyeglasses, medical equipment and the care of destitute war veterans, their widows and dependants.

The Legion also works in co-operation with the Canadian International Development Agency, the Canadian Forces, the Salvation Army and other agencies to deliver services to veterans residing in the Caribbean.