Local legions looking ahead to better times

By Mark Ribble

WHEATLEY/KINGSVILLE — One of the hardest hit business sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the hospitality industry.

And while most restaurants and bars have gradually begun to re-open, Royal Canadian Legions have been slow to come back.

With approximately 1350 branches across Canada, and about 260,000 members, the legions have struggled through the pandemic.

Wheatley Legion Branch 324 held an executive meeting on March 17 and made the decision to close until further notice.

Wheatley Branch 324 Royal Canadian Legion

The executive held another meeting on Wednesday, July 22 and decided to hold off on opening the branch for the time being.

Branch 324 President Jan Watson, said it was a tough decision, but the right one.

“We have to look after the safety of our staff, volunteers and members” she said. “Right now, there is so much uncertainty.”

The Wheatley branch also services the former Leamington Legion members, after that branch folded several years ago.

Their popular meat draws on Saturday afternoons brought in capacity crowds and with the current climate surrounding COVID-19, that type of event just wasn’t feasible.

Their monthly birthday bashes filled the building as well, so holding any big events is just not in the cards at this point. The lack of patio space at their location prevents them from opening for patio service. “We will revisit it next month and see if anything has changed,” said Watson.

Kingsville Branch 188 Royal Canadian Legion

Over at Kingsville Branch 188, President Lynne Crawford met with her executive to make some decisions this past Monday.

Unlike Wheatley, who is already in Stage 3, Kingsville has to wait until Windsor-Essex graduates from Stage 2 before they can open.

“We definitely have some opening plans,” said Crawford. “We have applied for two patio extensions for more outdoor seating.”

The branch plans to have a limited food menu available on Friday nights and has some activities planned that can be done while maintaining social distancing.

“We are awaiting an inspection of our plans by the health board,” said Crawford.

Kingsville Branch 188 is currently planning Remembrance Day activities and is available at all times to assist veterans, their families, seniors and the community.