ANOTHER "CENTENARY" OPEN HOUSE AT THE LEGION

On Sunday, July 19, the branch held another Open House to welcome more Centenary Members.  In this year of celebrations of the Royal Canadian Legion's Centenary, the branch is planning more of these Open Houses, as more members join in.  Some of the guests at this latest Open House were coming to be initiated as new members of the Legion – and the Coldwater branch, joining under the special Centenary year programme for 2026.  Welcome aboard comrades!

During the event new members were welcomed into the branch by President Kari Malmström, and given a bit of background on the history of the Legion, as well as some information about our programmes by key representatives of the branch. Guests were able to browse through dozens of photo albums covering decades of local Legion activities at the branch.

There were also two very special guests at the event, Zone Commander Dave Sampson, and his service dog Chandler.  Dave talked about the Legion's Operation Service Dog, a program that linked him up with Chandler, and their recent attendance at a ceremony in Ottawa celebrating the 100^th Service Dog sponsored through the program.  Needless to say that Chandler was a hit with the ladies!  Sorry Dave.

The story of the Royal Canadian Legion finds its origins in the First World War when Canadian soldiers returning back home from the battlefields of France and Belgium formed an association to support their returning comrades in arms.  One hundred years after its birth, the Royal Canadian Legion is open to all Veterans, their relatives and supporters.  Its main aims remain supporting Veterans, and promoting Remembrance.

With Sergeant-at-Arms Barry Gougeon by his side, Branch President Kari Malmström addresses the guests at the Legion's Open House to welcome more Centenary Members.

Branch President Kari Malmström addresses the guests at the Legion's Open House.

Branch President Kari Malmström and Margaret-Anne Murray welcome the new Legion "Centenary" members.

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The group of new "Centenary" members were introduced to the Coldwater Legion.

Ladies' Auxiliary President Donna Packer addresses the guests, inviting new members to consider volunteering with branch activities.

Poppy Chair Gaëtanne Robinson (right) addresses the guests, describing branch activities that support Veterans.

A group of local people and new members made their way to the Coldwater branch and took part in our celebrations of the Royal Canadian Legion's Centenary year.

Two very special guests, Zone Commander Dave Sampson and his service dog Chandler were at the event.  Dave talked about the Legion's Operation Service Dog and about his recent attendance at a ceremony in Ottawa celebrating the 100th Service Dog sponsored through the program.