Shelburne Legion, Branch 220 marks 90th anniversary

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Shelburne Legion, Branch 220, marked a significant milestone in its history, as they were honoured in reaching their 90th anniversary. 

Five members from the Shelburne Legion – Liz Whitton, Dean Schroeder, Lesa Peat, Debby Hood, and Cindy Hewitt – attended the Royal Canadian Legion convention in Huntsville this past weekend, where Branch 220 was presented with a plaque to commemorate the branches 90th anniversary. 

“It's fantastic. We've been around for 90 years and we're still going strong – we should be proud of it,” said Liz Whitton, president of the local legion. 

“For the legions that reach these [anniversaries] it's an amazing feat, especially through all the stuff that we've had to go through,” said Dean Schroeder, vice president of Branch 220. “That we are still charter and we're still part of the organization I think is amazing.” 

The Shelburne Legion branch was first established in 1931 by a group of local veterans as a way to come together, and Dec. 12, 2021 officially marked its 90th year. The numbering of legion branches is based on the order in which they were established meaning the local legion was the 220 to open. 

According to the Shelburne Legion, as of 2022 they have over 270 members. Among that number are veterans Don and Patricia Boyd, who have been members of the Royal Canadian Legion for 59 years, making them Shelburne's longest current legion members. 

Over the years, the local legion at its core has been dedicated to supporting veterans in need. 

“Any veterans in need of help in our area can come in or call us and we have no problem helping with anything they need,” said Schroeder. 

But it hasn't just been a supporter of veterans, it has also been an important supporter in the community making donations to various organizations including the Rotary Club, Shelburne Fire Department, Headwaters Hospital as well as recreations and sports teams, and even family fundraisers. 

The legion has also served a gathering place in the community as they host events such as wing nights, euchre, darts, and recent washer toss. 

“Everyone works together as a group in the community and the legion has always been supportive of everything that they've done and they've supported us,” said Lesa Peat, Branch 220 membership chair and former president. “Any organization that's out there that comes asking us for any help we give it.” 

After commemorating it's 90th anniversary, the legion is now looking forward to celebrating its centennial.