Redcliff Legion in need of community support

Submittecd by Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6

Support for the local small business community in general and the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, in particular, are greatly in need of community support. Even just driving down Broadway Avenue , there is a glaring evidence of failing businesses, papered windows and dark stores.
An icon of the community for many years, Branch #6 Royal Canadian Legion is in danger of joining those dark windows, if we continue as we are now. There was a time in the not so distant past, that the Canteen of the Legion was standing room only on Friday and Saturday nights. The afternoon shift from the glass factory would order tasty food and beverages on the phone prior to the end of the shift, to make sure that could attend the festivities. Those times are gone.
Granted there are still times when there are glimpses of the past. It seems that these times are brought on by the chance of winning something (examples being meat draws, held on Saturday afternoons and when the Queen draw is high). In many cases for the Queen’s draw, even non-members show up to participate, but all too often as soon as the meat draws are done, everyone disappears. We have no problems with people staying on Remembrance Day, when we give out donated beer.
Our restaurant is fairly well attended. What we need is for the people who come to the meat draws to stay and dine at the Legion as well. The menu at the Legion has been evolving to stay in touch with the times and the sales have improved 14 per cent over the last year. Unfortunately, costs have also gone up. Daily specials are in place to attempt to boost lunch and supper clientele, especially during the middle of the week. It has been suggested that the restaurant be closed during the non busy times of the week. That however is not a viable option, staff members need to be guaranteed enough work hours to provide a living, as well as food costs would escalate due to spoilage.
All that is really required is for more people to try the restaurant and use our excellent facilities for venues for weddings, meetings, celebrations of life, concerts, etc… We are confident the excellence of the food served for the price of the meals that will keep people returning. We encourage Legion members to show their support as well, for the number of members that are in the Legion, support is sadly lacking as are volunteers needed to reduce the cost of wages, our highest expense.

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