The Past President of the Kamloops Legion says its been a tough year for Branch 52 largely in part due to COVID-19.

Craig Thomson says the branch was closed for three months because of COVID-19, and another two months earlier in the year due to a flood in the building.

“We rely on our lounge to get by the day to day stuff such as rent and paying the bills and when we don’t have the people coming in to support our lounge and our programs, we’ve got very little to pay the bills with so yeah, its hit us,” he said on NL Newsday.

That said, Thomson notes the Kamloops Legion is not in any danger of permanently closing its doors at this time as it is doing a lot better than some other branches are across Canada.

“I mean we are not doing great but we are doing good,” Thomson added. “We’re holding our own and we are much luckier than some of the other branches around this province as well as the country that haven’t even reopened yet.”

According to the Royal Canadian Legion, more than 20 branches across Canada have closed permanently over the course of the pandemic, while others are ‘on the brink’ – with around 350 branches of the Legion reportedly ‘in deep trouble’.

“A lot of people seem to think that the Legion is just a bar and a lounge but when you get into the back offices that is where you start to realize that is where the real work is being done,” Thomson added.

“That’s where we help veterans find programs. In some cases, we might find them a bus pass or a new pair of boots so they can get a job and if we close down, that is not available to them in this town.”

Last week, the federal government announced a $20-million fund for various organizations supporting veterans, with $14 million going to the Royal Canadian Legion.

“This has been a long time coming and we are very grateful,” said Legion Dominion President, Thomas Irvine. “We hope this much needed funding will help the others stay afloat for as long as needed to weather this ongoing storm.”

The money will be disbursed by the Legion National Headquarters but its unclear how much of that money will come to the Kamloops Legion or in places like Merritt, Ashcroft, Westwold, Chase, Barriere, and Salmon Arm.

“This will be the most expeditious way to get the money where it’s needed,” Irvine added. “This funding will ensure many Branches can stay alive, and keep doing the great work they do to help support our Veterans and families, their communities and help us continue to promote Remembrance.”