Legion branch 43 needs to raise $35,000 for roof repairs

By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 in Oshawa is appealing for the public’s assistance in raising funds for desperately needed roof repairs to its Simcoe Street building.

Branch president Stephen Bell told The Oshawa Express they need to raise approximately $50,000.

Approximately $15,000 has been collected since Christmas, but Bell says the rest needs to be in hand by March 25.

The project requires a tight deadline to get the work started as soon as possible.

“Time-wise, spring will be coming and we don’t really need a roof falling in,” he says.

One section of the room requires repairs while another will be completely replaced, Bell explains.

The building, located at 471 Simcoe Street East, dates back to 1967, with the original roof replaced about 25 years ago.

Bell says the damage to the roof has caused leaking in some areas of the building, namely the auditorium and the sports room.

“We’ve got buckets around the place,” he says, adding that since he became president five years ago the roof’s condition has deteriorated further.

A few years ago, a local roofing company volunteered to perform some patchwork repairs but Bell called those a ‘temporary fix.’

He says the public may not be aware that Royal Canadian Legion branches are not-for-profit organizations and the majority of revenue they collect goes to community services and daily operations.

Through its 2017 Poppy Campaign, Branch 43 raised $91,000.

Proceeds of the campaign assist veterans and their families through a variety of programs.

The legion also supports local cadet corps and awards bursaries to secondary and postsecondary students.

The Pipe Band and Colour Party are highly visible in the community, participating in the Remembrance Day, Santa Claus and Fiesta Week parades, among other events.

A ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising dance is set for Saturday, March 24 with proceeds supporting the campaign. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the branch or by calling 905-723-9211.

Anyone interested in donating to the campaign can call or visit Branch 43 or e-mail br43leg@gmail.com