Announcements & News

Legion membership renewal is upon us and as is customary, the “Early Bird” period for renewal is September 1st to November 30th . During this period, members can renew their membership and get a $5.00 discount from the usual fee of $45.00. Members can pay cash or by cheque at the Legion, or Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) to (merrickvilleontariolegion245@gmail.com) and identify that it is for membership renewal.

Every year Branch 245 provides 3 Bursaries to students continuing their post-secondary education from the Poppy fund. Eligibility is determined by the following criteria 1. Canadian and Commonwealth War Veterans and their children, grandchildren and step-grandchildren or 2. Ordinary and Life members of Royal Canadian Legion and their children, grandchildren and; step children, and step grandchildren or 3. Associate members of the Royal Canadian Legion and their children. Students must be entering or continuing their post-secondary education which includes courses and programs of a technical and vocational nature. Students that are interested in applying and qualify can either pick-up a form from the Branch or request an electronic copy from the following email address (merrickvilleontariolegion245@gmail.com). The deadline to submit the application is October 31, 2024. Approved Bursaries are based on the successful admission status to a post-secondary institution.

National Legion Week is Sunday September 15th to Saturday September 21st, and we would like to express our sincere appreciation, and thank members for their year-round contributions to Branch 245; Our Veterans serving now and to those who have served and the Fallen for their service to this Country and beyond, THANK-YOU will never be enough for what they have done; Our volunteers for their countless hours to keep the Legion going; Our community, Mayor Cameron and Council and Merrickville-Wolford staff, businesses and organizations for their outstanding commitment and support whenever asked and the Merrickville Phoenix for providing a venue to keep us informed on what is going on in our community. The Merrickville Legion Branch 245 is truly grateful to everyone for their support.

September 21st is International Peace Day so please take the time to THANK our Veterans and their families for their sacrifices. They gave their today so we would have our tomorrow.

Branch 245 has partnered with the Merrickville Lions Club, and they have a place to call home where they have their meetings twice a month. We thank them for their financial support that they have given to the Legion.

The Legion provides a free venue for many other organizations and groups. The Historical Society, Merrickville Artists Guild, and the Photo Club have monthly lectures and meetings at the Legion. We have hosted many Celebrations of Life at the Legion that are free of charge, but we do gladly accept donations if possible.

We have 50/50 draws at all our sporting events and TGIF dances. The funds from this are spread widely throughout the community. The last 5 years we have given out 17,819.25 in donations, sponsorship, youth activities and school activities and bursaries. The following have received funds from the Legion: Merrickville Public School, St,Marguerite School, Merrickville Library, Merrickville Ag Society, Merrickville Guides/Brownies/Pathfinders, Merrickville Scouts, Merrickville Soccer, Merrickville Lions Club, Snowflake Festival, Hilltop Manor and Rosebridge Nursing Homes, RCHS Food Cupboard. We also provide 3 ($500.00) school bursaries to a graduating Grade 12 student that lives in Merrickville-Wolford from North Grenville, St. Mike’s and SFDCI High Schools.

On May 18th 2024 Our Mixed Dart Team consisting of Terry Sprowl (Right), Darlene Sprowl (Right Middle), Lee-anne Pritchard (Left), and Branden Schroeder (Left Middle) placed 1st in District Shoot. Congratulations to them all and we look forward to hosting next year. 

We had a not so good start to the New Year on Jan 1 st as the blower on the downstairs furnace went but luckily someone was there. Huge thank-you to Larry from Heat Busters coming to the rescue for us. Fixed the blower but informed us that the furnace needs to be replaced. The Branch held a Raffle Fundraiser to help pay for this as it is a costly item to replace. 
The draw took place on Canada Day July 1st at the Legion. The following are the winners of the prizes. 

• 1st prize– BBQ – Melanie Malo
• 2nd prize– Camp Chair and cooler combo – Christine Bimey
• 3rd prize– Utility Cart – Mark Scullino
• 4th prize– Visa Gift Card – Mike Curry

We hope that this provides some insight of just some of the things we do as there are many more. (Rose Lamingman Public Relations Chair)

Our TGIF supper and dances are every other Friday night. Supper is served at 6pm and the Dance
starts at 7pm with a live band. You are welcome to come to both or just supper or just the dance but
please contact Mary Horning at 613-269-3234 if coming for the supper. Check out our Facebook page or
our website for more details and info.