Volunteers - The Legion's lifeblood

Poster and Literary Contest
Remembrance Contestants are challenged to exercise their creativity and submit a poster on the theme of Remembrance in either colour or black and white. This is a contest to select the most suitable posters submitted by students in the Canadian school system. The posters will be judged at the local Branch and then at Zone, District and the Provincial level. The Provincial winners in the Primary, Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories will then be submitted to Ottawa for judging at the National level. A plaque will be awarded to the 1st place winner in each category, and to the 1st place winners’ schools. Prizes will be awarded on the recommendation of the judges, whose decision will be final.
Contestants are challenged to exercise their creativity and write an essay and/or poem on the theme of Remembrance. This is a contest to select the most suitable essays and poems submitted by students in the Canadian school system. The essays and poems will be judged at the local Legion Branch, Zone, District and then at the Provincial level. The Provincial winners in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories will then be submitted to Ottawa for judging at the National level. A plaque will be awarded to the 1st place winner in each category, and to the 1st place winners’ schools. Prizes will be awarded on the recommendation of the judges, whose decision will be final.

Public Speaking
Ontario Command Public Speaking Contest, part of the Legion's Youth and Education program, is meant to give young people an opportunity to speak in public. The individual chooses their own subject matter for the address. When is the contest held? The contest date is set by each Branch, and is normally in early January or February of the year. The contest progresses through Zone, District and Area levels, concluding at the Provincial level in May of each year. Dates for the contests at Branch, Zone, and District level should be established by the respective chairmen in September of each year, with careful selection being given to ensure that the contests at the various levels are not held on holiday weekends, school breaks, etc. The deadline date for the area contests will be at least two weeks prior to the Provincial Contest which is held on the 1st Saturday in May.

Track and Field
The Royal Canadian Legion’s Track and Field Program allows athletes, ages 17 and under (Youth & Midget) to compete in Track & Field events at little or no cost. The Track Meets consist of Zone, District, Provincial and at National Levels. Some Zone’s and Districts request meet entry fee’s to assist in the expense of the event. However, if selected to attend the Provincial or National meet the Legion covers all cost including travel and accommodation. With the National Meet, athletes spend a week with the selected team learning from experts and each other, building teamwork skills and making new friends, as well as getting to compete in their chosen events.

Bursary Program
The Bursary Program is designed to assist students entering or pursuing their post-secondary education, including courses and programs of a technical and vocational nature, outside of and beyond secondary school. Approved bursary assistance is not based upon scholastic standing but rather on the successful completion of the current year of study and recommendation by the District Bursary Committee.

Assistance
Students applying for assistance may be granted a Bursary based on documented need in the amount of $750.00 per scholastic year (September to August) as determined by the District Bursary Committee. Students entering a diploma or certificate course, usually of a shorter duration with reduced tuition, may be granted assistance at a rate to be determined by the District Bursary Chairman. Indentured apprentices may apply for assistance for the purchase of tools and instruments.

Eligibility
(1) Ex-Service personnel or currently serving members of The Canadian Forces (Regular, Reserve, and Merchant Navy) and their children and grandchildren. Commonwealth war veterans and their children and grandchildren.
(2) Ordinary and Life members of The Royal Canadian Legion and their children and grandchildren.
(3) Associate members of The Royal Canadian Legion and their children only.
(4) Ladies’ Auxiliary members and their children and grandchildren.
(5) Step children and step grandchildren may be considered where applicable.

 

THE MEMBER SPORTS PROGRAM encompasses all levels of Legion, from the local Branch, through Zone, District and Provincial Command, to National Competitions organized by Dominion Command.

There are a number of sports available to our Members. Members can choose a sport which reflects their interests, as well as their physical ability. Competition in some sports is categorized into a Regular Competition and a Seniors Competition, in those sports where age may be an advantage.

Branches may organize additional sports programs which may not be part of an upper level competition (Zone, District, Provincial or Dominion). Check with your local branch for the sports activities that they have organized.

Remember that if your Branch, Zone, or District does not participate in a Sport that is done at the Provincial or Dominion Level, you would still be eligible to play at the Provincial Level and if you qualified would be eligible to play at the Dominion Level.

The Royal Canadian Legion is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization. We provide for Veterans and their families in need, promote Remembrance, and provide essential services within our communities. Funding to fulfill our mission is provided through a number of sources, including:

Membership dues

Membership dues are determined at the Branch level and help support Branch operations. Dues are typically between $50-$70 per member per year. A portion of member dues support national and provincial operations such as administration, member programs and benefits, marketing and facilities.

Publically accessible grants

The Legion is not affiliated with any political party or organization and we do not accept financial assistance from any government party for our operations. However, Branches are able to pursue grants through federal, provincial or municipal government programs for initiatives outside of normal operations. These grants are available to all not-for-profits, and Legions only use the funds as defined in the grant guidelines.

Fee-for-service contracts

Branches often supplement income by renting out their facilities and providing food and entertainment services in their community.

Fundraising

A large part of funding for Legion Branches is through fundraising. Branch members volunteer their time to organize fundraising activities such as BBQs, dinners, bingo nights and meat draws to raise additional monies for operations and programming.

Legion merchandise

The Legion produces quality branded merchandise and apparel which Legion Branches sell at a profit. In addition, proceeds from purchases made directly through the Member Store and The Poppy Store support Legion programs and are shared with Commands in proportion to the sales made to Branches and members within each Command.

Poppy Trust Fund

Donations to the Legion Poppy Trust Fund are never used for Legion operations. Donations to the Poppy Trust Fund are placed in trust to be used to help Veterans and their dependents in need, and to honour their sacrifices. For more information on the Poppy Trust Fund, please click here.




At our September 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Port Elgin Legion Branch 340 once again made significant donations to the Owen Sound Hospital Foundation (OSHF) and Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation(SMHF).
Pictured in Photo 1 below Left to Right:
(L)2nd V-P Gord Kelly, Tracy Murray – Exec. Director Hospital Foundation accepts $5,000 donation, 1st V-P Elizabeth Eby
“We are so appreciative of the partnership that we have with the Port Elgin Legion,” said Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation Executive Director, Tracy Murray. “Each year, this donation helps immeasurably with much-need equipment, such as crash carts.”
2nd Photo Amy McKinnon, Owen Sound Hospital Foundation, accepted the donation of $5,500
Amy McKinnon of the Owen Sound Hospital Foundation, echoed Murray’s appreciation. “This donation each year helps immensely with patient care and this year’s funds will go toward the oncology and cardiac units.”
“We, the Legion, understand how important it is to have quality patient care close to home,” said Branch 1st Vice President, Elizabeth Eby, “so, we are only too happy to help out our local hospitals.”
Photos and story courtesy of @Sandy Lee Lindsay - Editor Saugeen Times


Trish Verburg, Director/Pastor Living Hope Church and Shelley Hewson

Kylie Hutton, Community Services Team Leader at the Salvation Army and Shelley Hewson

Shelley Hewson and Jo Smyth, Treasurer of St. Vincent de Paul

MUSIC BINGO
January 10, 2026.
The Music Bingo event is run with the proceeds directly going to organizations in our community. On behalf of Branch 340, Shelley Hewson delivered cheques of $200 each to the following organizations.
1st photo: Trish Verburg, Director/Pastor Living Hope Church
2nd photo: Kylie Hutton, Community Services Team Leader at the Salvation Army
3rd photo: Jo Smyth, Treasurer of St. Vincent de Paul
THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC FOR SUPPORTING BRANCH 340!
It no secret that fundraising these days is a challenge. But our Branch members and our community members and their guests continue to come out to events and contribute to branch fundraising intiatives monthly. We are grateful for your unwavering support.

Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions that we receive. Here is a link to even more FAQ

Question: Can anyone go to a Canadian Legion bar?
Answer: Yes, absolutely! Anyone can go into a Royal Canadian Legion bar, as they welcome the public and non-members to their lounges and events. 
 Expect some traditional rules, like removing your hat as a sign of respect, and follow local liquor laws and branch etiquette.
 In short: Head to the Legion; we are a community hubs designed for everyone to enjoy!

Question: Can anyone join the Canadian Legion?
Answer: Any Canadian or citizen of an Allied nation 18 years of age or older can join. You don’t have to be a Veteran to support a Veteran. Everyone can help.

Question: How many members does the Legion have?
Answer: As of 2025, the Legion has 270,000 members

Question: Why can't you wear a hat at the Legion?
Answer:You can't wear a hat in a Royal Canadian Legion because it's a long-standing tradition rooted in military etiquette, showing respect for veterans, fallen soldiers, and the monarchy. Exceptions are often made for religious head coverings (like turbans) or for specific events where hats are part of a costume.

Question: Do Legion members get a discount?
Answer: MemberPerks provide access to $1000's of dollars of discounts. As a "Thank You" to our members, the Legion has established links with national companies to offer products and services at a discount to our membership. The Legion's Member Benefit Partners offer unique benefits not normally available to the public.