The Auxiliary was formed and received its charter in 1942. Since that date, through the years our ladies have worked very hard in many ways to earn money which enabled the Branch to get many of the essentials needed in running a Legion. The kitchens were outfitted several times, the first BBQ in the backyard was commissioned and built by Ike Laxdal and created the first “Bud, Spud and Steak nights”. There have been many purchases for the Branch, like fridges, stoves, new television for the lounge, patio and deck, BBQ, dish washing machine for Tank Room kitchen. We tried to contribute whenever the Branch needed assistance with improvements or equipment replacement.
In the early years the meetings were held in private homes until the Branch moved in the 2 army billets from Portage La Prairie and in 1949, we had club rooms to use, located on the comer of Royal Road, now called Laxdal Road. This was a dry legion at that time, so many events that were held here had to get a special license.
The ladies did catering to raise funds. However, they had no water in the building so the men had to haul all the water. It was a lot of work, but they enjoyed it.
In 1958 the Branch needed larger premises and bought the old Charleswood School where our present branch is located.
The Ladies Auxiliary had many projects like Christmas parties, jam pail curling and movie night for the children, bingo, walk-a-thons, catering, luncheons, teas and seniors’ lunches. They made enough money in 1970 to pay for the parking lot paving and equipment for Deer Lodge hospital for the veterans.
Over the years the Ladies Auxiliary have given money to High Schools bursaries, students to Legion Sports Camp, hospital visiting to veterans and members; Military Family Resource Centre; civil charities – Christmas Cheer, Salvation Army, Siloam Mission, Children’s hospital. We hosted District 4 annual meetings as well as assisted the Branch with competitions that they hosted. Assisted in the Annual Blood banks held at the Branch and contributed the food for workers and attendees.
We tried several ways to encourage an increase in membership to grow but to no avail. As the demographics of our members increased and their abilities decreased it was necessary to sun-ender our Charter and cease to be. So it is with sadness that a distinguished 80-year history of service to the Branch and the community is over.
Respectfully
Carol Hadley, PP, Secretary/Treasurer