While many Royal Canadian Legion branches across the country are facing an uncertain future, Orillia’s is “doing OK,” says its president.
Rick Purcell pointed to a prudent treasurer as one of the reasons Branch 34 has been able to stay above water during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our bank balance was quite strong in March,” he said.
It also helps that the Orillia branch has one of the largest memberships in the province, with more than 1,000.
Still, officials aren’t getting too comfortable. They’re waiting on word from the province about when they can start letting people back inside. Purcell hopes that will happen by Aug. 1.
“If they say we can open at 50 per cent capacity, we’d look at that,” he said.
Branch 34 is licensed for 400 people downstairs, but Purcell doesn’t see the Legion allowing more than 150 in when the time comes to reopen.
Legions have been given the go-ahead to reopen their patios, but Branch 34 has not done that.
“We decided not to because our patio’s so small,” he said, noting, with physical distancing, only 14 people would be allowed. “It wasn’t worth opening for that.”
Some Legion branches don’t have any paid staff, but Orillia’s does, so that’s another cost. However, Purcell is thankful the Legion has been able to access the federal wage-subsidy program, allowing it to keep its office manager and two maintenance employees on the payroll.
With members of the public not being allowed inside, it has given the Legion an opportunity to do some deep cleaning, painting and retiling of the ceiling.
“We’ve done some things we never had time to do,” Purcell said.
It’s not bringing in any cash, though, and while Branch 34 is not in dire straits at the moment, Purcell knows that could change.
When the doors were closed in March, there was enough money in the bank to get the Legion through five or six months.
“If we have to go past that, we might be in trouble,” he said, “but we’re protecting our money and it’s paid off in this situation.”
It will help when Branch 34 can start bringing people back in at the bar and for room rentals — two of the main money makers. The Legion also hosts bingo that benefits it and 11 other charities. That, too, has been cancelled during the pandemic.
One effect of the pandemic that has saved Branch 34 some money is the cancellation of many sports seasons. The Legion sponsors various teams and leagues. If any of them start up again, there will be some money available from Branch 34, but not as much as usual.
The other impact of the closure is the toll it takes on veterans and other members.
“It’s their social night out. With no access, they’re champing at the bit to get back,” Purcell said. “It’s very difficult for some of them. That’s why we’re starting to get phone calls as other things start to open.”
There likely won’t be any special events, dances or dinners for the rest of the year, but when the Legion is able to open its doors again, “we’re looking forward to getting everyone back,” he said.
