The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50 in 亚洲天堂 Lake announced the closure of its kitchen due to financial woes.

On Jan. 4, the legion announced the closure on its Facebook page. The legion said their budget was strained as a huge chunk of revenue was needed for repair works on its building and other equipment upgrades.

Since then, the legion has been seeking the community鈥檚 help through donations and volunteer work and trying to organize events in hopes of generating funds.

Alexander England, legion鈥檚 secretary, said, 鈥淲e primarily get funds to continue operating through fundraising efforts, membership dues, financial donations as well as revenue from bar and restaurant operations 鈥� it鈥檚 not a new thing that the legion is fundraising we鈥檝e done plenty in the past with many theme nights throughout last summer as well as many pancake breakfasts.鈥�

However, England said they have lost many of the volunteers.

鈥淪ince then, we鈥檝e had to hire more paid staff to keep doors open, also causing financial strain 鈥� our board volunteers countless hours and our staff volunteer as much as they can,鈥� England said.

Recently, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50 announced that Vice President Mitchell Kingscote would take on the president鈥檚 responsibility as Felicia Betemps steps down. Betemps will continue to serve the legion as an executive member, ensuring her valuable insights and experience remain within the organization.

At present, the treasurer and vice president positions of the legion are vacant, and an upcoming by-election will be held within the month to fill the vacancies.

The current board members of the legion are: Mitchell Kingscote 鈥� president; Alexander England 鈥� secretary; Jim McBride 鈥� past president; Landen Bruce 鈥� Sgt. at Arms; Renee Paton, Felicia Betemps, Tiffany England and Marilyn Schritt鈥� executive members.

In 2028, the legion will mark its centennial. The not-for-profit organization has served and committed to support, promote remembrance and veterans in 亚洲天堂 Lake community for 96 years.