About

The Royal Canadian Legion was founded in 1925 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League, following an appeal for unity among existing veterans' groups. It was created to advocate for and support First World War veterans, and its charter was issued in July 1926. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II granted the prefix "Royal," and the organization became the Royal Canadian Legion. 

Here's a more detailed look at the Legion's history:

• Early Foundations:

The Great War Veterans Association (GWVA), founded in 1917, was the first national veterans' organization in Canada. By 1919, it had become the largest organization representing veterans' interests. 

• Formation of the Legion:

In 1925, various veterans' groups, including the GWVA, joined to form the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. 

• Growth and Evolution:

The Legion expanded its services after the Second World War to support both veterans and those serving in the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP. 

• Royal Patronage:

In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II granted the Legion royal patronage, leading to its current name, the Royal Canadian Legion. 

• Continued Advocacy:

The Legion continues to advocate for veterans' benefits, promote remembrance, and support Canadian communities through its network of branches.

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The Royal Canadian Legion of Haileybury “Branch 54” is one of 1,350 Legions Branches in Canada. We will be celebrating our Centennial in 2026.

At Branch 54, our membership has grown in the past three years from 128 to more than 350, and continues to grow. Members are aged 21-91!

As Canada's largest Veteran support and community service organization, our mandate is helping Veterans, and their families get the care and support they deserve. We promote Remembrance through our annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, the Banner Program honouring veterans, and the poppy campaign.  Poppy funds raised are channeled into local initiatives for those in need. We provide grants for essential items (food/fuel/clothing/medication/medical equipment/emergency shelter) and support organizations that deliver healing programs at no cost.

The Legion is one of the largest volunteer bases in Canada and Legion Branches have become the cornerstones of communities across Canada.

In addition to the core services and programs described above, our members and people from the community and surrounding area participate in activities at our downtown facility. These include: breakfasts (every weekend mornings), dinners, weddings, anniversary celebrations, golf tournament receptions, darts, card-playing, Rotary TV Bingo, Parkinson’s work-out group, line dancing, vendor’s markets, movie/musical/comedy/talent performances, BBQs, College campus events, and special holiday events. With the wide variety of programs, services and activities, the number of people involved and participating is estimated to be well over 10,000 in a year.  Our breakfast program alone serves over 5,000 people annually.

Our Branch is not mandated to provide a bilingual service, but we recognize that we live and work in a mixed Anglophone and Francophone community.  Many of our members and volunteers are bilingual and we are able to offer programs and services in both official languages.

The Royal Canadian Legion, and particularly Branch 54, has made a very successful transition from its beginnings as a place for military veterans to gather, to a community social hub.  And it is our aim and goal to engage all members of the community in our events and programs.

Over the past two years, Branch 54 has undertaken an ambitious renovations project to enhance  our facility and make it more accessible. The overall project includes: repairs and restoration of the west foundation wall, renovating the lounge, replacing the roof, upgrading the kitchen, replacing floors and ceilings, hall renovations, installing a lift, and building an accessible bathroom.

From an organizational standpoint, Branch 54 has an Executive made up of a President, Past-President, three Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer and 5 additional Executive Committee Members. We have the following Standing Committees: Lounge, Bingo, Membership, Honours and Awards, Breakfast Program, Cadet Liaison, Entertainment Committee, Renovation Committee, Constitution and By-Laws, Pipe Band, Poppy Committee, Sick & Visiting, and Veterans Service Officer. Executive meetings and General Membership meetings are held once a month to conduct the business of the Branch.

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