Royal Canadian Legion adapts to pandemic to find success
Video by Lauren Stallone
By: Joseph Casciaro
The Royal Canadian Legion has had to make any adjustments in order to survive and operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Grace Phillips, Branch 414 bartender, legion branches have added extra sanitation measures in order to keep all their locations safe for the veterans.
They have also added new programs to limit social gatherings, including the Buddy Check program according to Dianne Scaturchio, Secretary and Treasurer of Branch 414 in Woodbridge, Ont.
The Buddy Check is a club for veterans that need support with mental health issues, where they can chat in smaller groups about the things they struggle with.
New ways to donate
When it comes to the income of the legion, they have added some new measures to make sure they still raise their usual donations.
“This year for the first time we have close to 40 national corporate partners that are allowing poppy boxes in their facilities,” said Dion Edmonds, Deputy of marketing and communication for the Royal Canadian Legion.
The legion is also working to stop the spread of COVID-19 by limiting cash donations for poppies. They have partnered with HSBC Canada to implement tap and pay boxes, so people can use their debit and credit cards to donate.
“It’s another fantastic way we’ve been able to adapt to the pandemic,” said Edmonds.
The Legion also created brand-new legion-themed masks in June, and according to Edmonds they positively impacted their revenue.
“This extra revenue helps us continue to do the work to help support Canada’s veterans,” said Edmonds.
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