By offering volunteer opportunities to high school students, the Galt Legion is hoping to both serve the community and educate the younger generations on the importance of honouring the service of veterans.
Volunteers will be able to acquire community service hours needed to fulfill their high school diploma requirements by helping cut grass, wash dishes, assist with events and any other odd jobs the legion needs done.
But for legion president Yvonne Power, the chance to engage with youth is about much more than accessing help with day-to-day tasks.
Power says the legion currently has one Korean War veteran and everyone who served in World War I and World War II has now passed away.
As the years go by, keeping their memories alive is a huge focus.
“It’s very important,” Power said.
“I want the students to have respect for the veterans. We don’t have any World War I or World War II veterans left. A history teacher at Galt Collegiate works very closely with our legion and we’re very close with our schools.”
GCI, St. Benedict’s, Southwood, Glenview Park and Monsignor Doyle are all schools the legion is responsible for engaging with but Power says the volunteers can be from anywhere.
She also hopes the students understand the role they play in building the community and take the opportunity to get involved to make a difference.
“One of the things with the legion is informing the kids and getting the community involved,” Power said.
“It’s not just an old mans club. By educating the kids it teaches them to be a part of the community. I hope they take away a sense of responsibility and pride.”
Dianne Antoine and her family have strong ties to the military and her daughter Jordyn, who attends Preston High School, is one of the volunteers offering her time to the legion.
“We come from a military family, both her great grandfathers were veterans and my parents were very involved in the Galt Legion,” Dianne said.
“We find it really important for our family to keep it going.”
Antoine believes getting involved in the legion is a great way to not only promote community involvement and connection, but to remember and recognize all that veterans have sacrificed for the greater good.
“I’ve been teaching her about it,” she said.
“This is the perfect thing for her to start to learn. I want people to know how important it is to never forget our freedom and where we come from.”
The legion is always looking for volunteers and anyone interested can call 519-621-5850 or reach out via its Facebook page.
