Dear Editor:

You may or may not be aware that the Royal Canadian Legion is the largest non-profit organization in Canada.
And if you join the legion, you join an organization with 630,000 members.
The legion sponsors a wide range of programs such as youth organizations and competitive sports, assisted living housing for veterans, bursaries and scholarships and a large number of volunteers that give back to the community.
Naturally there is strength created by the large membership numbers and these numbers provide a powerful bargaining base placing the Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command and B.C./Yukon Command on an equal footing with the companies they are negotiating with to gain further types of benefit packages.
Some of the benefits gained include, insurance for home, travel, life and health. There are also travel benefits at all Sandman Inns, Accent Inns and Travelodge.
Family planning relocation advice is also available from selected agencies. Discounts on apparel from Moores and a reduced automobile repair rate from Speedy Auto Service are also offered.
These are just some of the member benefits of being a Royal Canadian Legion member and there are many more.
So join the local Legion for a year and experience for yourself the legion’s role in Osoyoos and the local community.
Members and qualified guests can participate in any of the available sports, like darts, Wii bowling, cribbage, pool, curling, shuffleboard and, in the summer, the Legion sponsors a senior team in the South Okanagan Senior Slo-Pitch League.
Please find the time to visit us at the Legion Branch 173 in Osoyoos, located at 8310-87 Ave. on Veterans Way, where hospitality, courteous service and friendliness are given a high priority.
Membership dues can be paid starting Sept. 11 at the Osoyoos Legion.
An early bird campaign runs from Sept. 1 until Nov. 30.
A ticket is pulled for each membership category in October and the winners enjoy free membership for the next year as their dues are absorbed by the legion.
To learn more about joining the Legion and the low cost of membership, please call 250-495-7447.

Brian Lobb

Publicity co-ordinator

Royal Canadian Legion

Osoyoos, B.C.