The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 274 Part of the Legion’s purpose is to ensure that proper attention shall be paid to the welfare of all who have served and their dependents. To this end, Kisbey Branch has helped many Veterans and their families when the need arose, not only with financial assistance but by forming work bees. In keeping with this spirit of giving, they have donated generously to the Christmas Cheer funds of the Mental Health patients in Weyburn, the Salvation Army, and the Tuberculosis Veterans Section, to name just a few. The Legion’s commitment to youth and sports has been fulfilled with sponsorship of minor hockey and ball teams, purchases of uniforms and equipment, transporting the players to their games, sponsoring students to participate in the Legion Track and Field camps and later when the students’ interest in our area declined, donating directly to the camp. Comrade Bruce Thompson was responsible for the forming of Cubs and Scouts, and Guides and Brownies in 1968. Donations were made to the yearbook. In 1980, $316.00 was donated to the Parks and Recreation Board for the purchase of playground equipment; in October 1981, $500.00 for 10-and-under hockey sweaters and equipment. In recent years, they have given donations to the Moose Mountain Air Cadets and helped sponsor firearms safety courses. The Branch’s commitment to the community is fulfilled by maintenance of the community hall, Silver Threads Club, contributions to, and participation in, the anniversary celebrations of the town, province and country, and to other organizations in the community. To commemorate fallen Comrades, the Branch erected a cenotaph in 1975, and also has been fortunate to be able to hold a Remembrance Day Service annually. In 1977, $500.00 was donated to the Brock Union Hospital, $50.00 to the New Hope Pioneer Lodge and Moose Mountain Nursing Home. In 1996, a freezer was purchased for the hospital and $500.00 to the Royal Purple for the operation of the Wellness Clinic. In 1994, the Silver Threads Hall was re-roofed and this Branch was able to donate $1300.00 toward this project. In 1995 and 1996, the Branch donated a further $250.00 to help replace the east door in their hall. Although Branch membership is now few in number compared to the beginning, the Branch still strives to take an active part in the community with pride in their past and faith in their future. KISBEY BRANCH 295 (...Cont’d) Around the end of 1945, some of the returned service men began to discuss the forming of a Branch of The Royal Canadian Legion in Ponteix, SK. Seventeen interested people attended an organizational meeting in February of 1946, and on February 22, 1946, the first six Legion members were initiated. The six original members of the Ponteix Legion were: J.E. Coulombe, R.T.G. Lallier, J.W. Dolan, Jack Johnson, Bill Johnson and M. Gauthier. Membership continued to grow over the next few months until there were forty-seven members in 1947. Arrangements were made with the owner of the Ponteix Deluxe Theatre to hold dances every Friday night to raise funds for Legion activities. In September of 1946, the Legion members rented Mrs. Norman Kouri (Senior) building for a clubroom. The building was formally The Gideon Cossette Barber Shop, and as of 1990, Mike Dubourt Plumbing. The Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed in the fall of 1946, with one of their contributions being the annual sale of Poppies for Remembrance Day. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, the Branch was not very active. They no longer rented a clubroom, but met in private homes instead. In 1958, they provided funds to furnish a room in the Senior Citizens Home. As well, they supported such community organizations as Minor Hockey, Youth Gun Club, and the Ponteix Union Hospital. Legion members and their families participated in such local and District Legion activities, such as Remembrance Day services, golfing, curling and bowling. The idea of building a Cenotaph to commemorate soldiers of the Ponteix area who had served in the wars was first discussed by the Ponteix Legion in March of 1970. The Cenotaph was built on land donated by the Girardin Brothers. Comrade Louis Lacoursiere built and donated the 18-pounder that sits on the top of the Cenotaph. This was in commemoration of the boys who joined the 60/17 Artillery Regiment in Aneroid in 1940. The plaque on the Cenotaph, donated by Louis Lacoursiere, reads: Lest We Forget 1914-1918 World War II 1939-1945 They died that we may Live Veteran of both wars, Comrade Joe Gillis had the honor of unveiling the new Cenotaph, and his wife Lenzena placed the first wreath. PONTEIX BRANCH 297 (Cont’d...)
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