The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

> & we Remember fund the cadet program, and they in turn help with poppies and at our special events at the hall. We donate directly to the high schools, who distribute it to deserving stu- dents as bursaries. “As a group we insist that 100% of it goes to Port Perry-based orga- nizations, back into the community where the money was raised. Last year, those donations amounted to $24,000. As with many service organi- zations, the Legion maintains a visible presence in the community, particularly at the youth level. The first Port Perry Legion Hall was opened in 1946 behind the present day post office. Members moved into their new facility, located on Bay Street, on June 16, 1962. Continued from page 47 branch also enforces its own rule for disbursement. “Poppy money can be donated to hospitals, cadet pro- grams, bursaries, or to veterans in need. Our member- ship supports all these channels, of course. The hospital receives the largest part of our donations. We help to Remember those who gave ALL for your freedom this Remembrance Day. KEN RANKIN PLUMBING *New Installations *Renovations *Water Softeners *Repairs *Whirlpool Tubs 38 Caleb Street, Port Perry 905-985-3608 FULLY ESTIMATES INSURED. 1920 Whitfield Road, Port Perry” 905-982-0118 * www.tradingpostqualityfoods.com 48 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2014 “Our outreach includes local schools, so the students understand the meaning of Remembrance Day and the sacrifices it represents.” But while the organization has adapted to mod- ern times, these are challenging times for the Legion. Gone are the halcyon days when local branches spon- sored sometimes entire leagues of youth sports teams with funds raised outside the Poppy program. “People nowadays lead busy lives, and ‘club’ activi- ties often have to take a back seat. There are also many choices around the area these days — 1 mean bars and such — where people can gather socially.” But the Legion is more than just a place where members can raise a glass over a game of darts or pool. It’s a service club with a rich history of community involvement and generosity. More than that, it’s a link to the country’s tradition of military service and sacri- fice. And as long as there’s a Remembrance Day, there will always be a Royal Canadian Legion branch in the forefront to honour those memories. By Scott Mercer Focus on Scugog 14325 Simcoe St., Port Perry 905-985-7341