Everyone is welcome to join the North Shore Legion

Leading up to Remembrance Day, the Canadian Legion is top of mind for all Canadians as each local branch members collect donations during the annual Poppy Campaign.

This is largely because of Remembrance Day as the Legion is heavily associated with the Canadian military and until several years ago, membership was in fact limited to veterans and Canadians with a direct family connection.

However, a military connection is no longer a requirement and the Legion invites all Canadians aged 18+ to join. The only cost is an annual membership fee of around $60, which is easily offset by excellent value services including branch entertainment, social events and food & beverages.

There are four North Shore Legion branches: Lynn Valley Road, Lonsdale Ave., 18th St. in West Vancouver and Bowen Island. Interested local residents can simply visit a branch to see the facility and meet members who will absolutely welcome new visitors and likely offer a seat at their table.

The branches also have websites and social media accounts that identify “what’s happening” with music, dinners and other events like Trivia Night, Darts or Open Mic. The social events are fun, but many members join for the rewarding opportunity to support local community groups—Legion branches provide assistance to veterans, hospitals, cadets, senior centres, sports clubs and a wide range of service organizations.

Here are some things that may be of interest:

1) Lynn Valley has outdoor garden seating, dartboards and a range of big-screen TVs showing sports

2) Lonsdale has pool tables, big-screen TVs and rents a large, licensed space for events; and

3) West Vancouver is a hidden gem with its huge, outdoor garden patio, big-screen TVs as well as a private, licensed space for events up to 60 people.

The Legion is accepting 2023 applications so go online at www.legion.ca or visit a branch to obtain an application.

Doug Brown is the past president of the West Vancouver legion