Shelburne Legion reopens after month closure

November 28, 2024 · 0 Comments

Written By PAULA BROWN

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Shelburne Legion Branch 220 has reopened their doors and will continue to serve Veterans and community members alike.

More than 170 members flocked to the Shelburne Legion on Tuesday (Nov. 26) for a pivotal meeting that would determine the future of the organization. Members casted their votes and elected Shelburne Town Councillor and local resident, Dan Sample, as the next president of the legion.

“I’m very happy that it is open and will continue to provide the Town of Shelburne and the community with assistance,” said Chuck Arrand, Zone Commander for E-3 of the Royal Canadian Legion. “They had a huge turnout of support at the meeting. They spent the last 30 days deciding who they could come behind as really support as their president, and I think it was a resounding success.”

The Shelburne Legion temporarily closed its doors for 30-days following the resignation of former president, Judy McCarrol, on Oct. 22,

Traditionally, when a Royal Canadian Legion is unable to or fails to elect a president to oversee the branch it is closed permanently. The permanent closure means that the building, along with all of its assets, are sold and the revenue from the sale is donated to charities within the community it resides.

In the case of the Shelburne Legion, instead of permanently closing, Arrand was able to receive permission from Ontario Command to have a temporary closure for 30 days and allow for an election of a new president at their next meeting, which was held on Tuesday night.

Following the election of Sample as the new president, the Shelburne Legion moved ahead in making donations to community organizations, including the Food Bank, in time for the holiday season.

“They are back up and running and serving the community, which makes me extremely happy,” said Arrand.