The Whitehorse Legion (Branch 254 of the Royal Canadian Legion) has received $11,919 from Veterans Affairs Canada to help cope with COVID-19 pandemic challenges.

“The notice from our national headquarters was totally unexpected,” said veteran and Legion president Joe Mewett.

“Yes, we did apply for funding to help offset some of our costs incurred during our COVID closure, but figured there were branches in more dire need.

“We were closed for approximately eight months, and, like most businesses, we still had expenses that had to be paid.”

On top of that, Mewett added, the Legion must support veterans, families and the community, which he called never-ending.

“Without our lounge and activities revenue, reserve funding can disappear quickly,” he said.

“These funds are a welcome relief, and will enable us carry on support to veterans and those in need.”

The Whitehorse Legion has more than 400 members, about 200 of whom are veterans.

“There are at least 50 veterans, if not more, that are in the Yukon that do not belong the Legion,” Mewett said.

“Some veterans choose not to belong to the Legion for various reasons, but this does not mean that we don’t help and support them.”

When it comes to supporting veterans, the Legion said, Yukoners should remember the following: “May no soldier go unloved, may no soldier walk alone, may no soldier be forgotten, may no soldier be left behind when they return home.”

This quote, Mewett said, applies to all veterans, whether military or the RCMP.

“These funds will enable us to support those who gave so much and asked for so little,” said Mewett.

Yukon MP Larry Bagnell said he is “delighted we were able to support the Legion through COVID-19 , because of the great work they do for veterans, seniors, and the community, in the Yukon.

“Not only do they organize annual ceremonies so we can all rightfully honour our veterans and provide ongoing support to surviving veterans, but they also provide a home for many celebrations that improve the life of seniors and many others, and is such a great asset to our community.”

The Legion had requested the funding through an application process involving its provincial command.

“Our funds will be used to offset funds expended during our closure,” Mewett said.

On Nov. 10, the federal government announced a $20-million aid package to help veteran organizations weather the pandemic.

Nationally, the Legion received $14 million.

The funds can cover a range of operational items such as insurance, utilities, rent or mortgage, property tax, administration costs and wages, among other needs.

“Glad to see the federal government stepping up to help not only the Royal Canadian Legion but other non-profits as well,” Mewett said.

“The services and support that all non-profits provide are needed now and in the future.”

Founded in 1925, the Legion is Canada’s largest veteran support and community service organization.

The non-profit organization has a national reach across Canada as well as branches in the U.S., Europe and Mexico.

“With close to 260,000 members, many of whom volunteer an extraordinary amount of time to their branches, our strength is in our numbers,” the Legion said.