The number of military veterans that belong to organizations like ANAVETS and the Canadian Legion has seen a reduction in recent times.
In Sidney, ANAVETS Unit 302 has only about 25 per cent of its membership made up of military veterans, and it has raised some questions in some quarters about the need for and viability of veterans’ organizations.
Folks should immediately disabuse themselves of that notion.
ANAVETS Unit 302 and other similar organizations continuously demonstrate their valuable role in the community.
Let’s start with the fact that veterans’ organizations are definitely needed to support the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country through their military service. Programs that aid veterans as they transition to civilian lives are critical, as are programs that help the children of service members who are deployed away from home.
In fact, there are dozens of programs and services supported by veterans’ associations across Canada.
Of equal value are the various services provided by organizations like ANAVETS to the local community.
In Sidney, for example, Unit 302 hosts breakfasts with Santa, special shows, BBQs and dinners to mark a litany of special occasions, bingo nights, card nights, darts, billiards, and more. The building on 4th Street is a social hub for the community where friends can meet and enjoy each other’s company.
And in an age of social isolation, that’s increasingly important.
But while they’re doing that, they manage to find a way to raise money for local community causes with everything from bingo to meat draws, to special ticketed shows. A whole lot of money.
One need only peruse the 2023 list of recipients of funds from Sidney’s ANAVETS to see just how much they care for the community. Last year alone, more than $80,000 was donated to everyone groups like the Citadel Therapy Canine Society, the Sidney Elementary School, the SPCA, the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, Angel Flight, and more.
In total, ANAVETS helped fund 18 local organizations.
“In 2024, we hope to make that $100,000,” said Sally Nalleweg, the club’s finance chair. “It’s the most money that any ANAVETS unit has raised in Canada. It’s also what standing shoulder to shoulder with the community means to us.”