Hope Legion President Ian Williams will be representing the community during the Royal Canadian Legion’s 49th Dominion Convention.
And he’s bringing a souvenir from Hope — two Communities in Bloom (HCiB) profile books, one for Williams and one for the convention.
“On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #228, we thank you very much,” Williams said. “We will make sure that one copy goes to our delegation here. And one copy will definitely go to the new president, when elected.”
The books contain information/profiles about Hope as well as pictures of the mural done for the Hope Legion’s 75th anniversary. This will be used by Williams who is doing a presentation, about Hope and the Royal Canadian Branch #228 (Hope Legion), during the convention which is taking place from Aug. 24 to Aug. 28 at Saint John, New Brunswick.
Smith presented Williams the profile books during the Monday night’s (Aug. 12) council meeting. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #228 (Hope Legion) — Heather Bergstrom (Hope Legion secretary and treasurer), Leane Tourigny (past Hope Legion president), and Mike Demoskoff (Hope Legion vice president) — along with Williams family were present and witnessed as he was recognized for his legacy with the legion; district staff and council presented Williams with a carving of an eagle in honour of his dedication, leadership, and time spent with the legion.
“You’ve done very well,” Smith said. “The legion here, you’ve done such a great thing. You’ve got a great group of volunteers. And the work you’ve done is great, to make sure the legion continues running by doing maintenance and everything else to upgrade it when so many other legions in our country have failed (to stay open).
“We appreciate all the work you’ve put in and we want to make sure that this goes forward and that everyone remembers you well and what you’ve done.”
In addition to his work and presidency with the Hope Legion, Williams was also recognized for the decades he’s spent volunteering in Hope. This includes (though isn’t limited to) his 41 years volunteering as a firefighter with the Hope Fire Department. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of Williams’ wife, Carol, who has stood behind him as he made a difference in Hope.
“On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #228, thank you for this,” Williams said. “And for my comrades here, who have come out tonight, this is the group that keeps the legion going.”
Founded in 1948, the Legion has been a staple of Hope in both providing a place for veterans and contributing to the community. For 76 years the legion has been contributing to and providing fundraising opportunities, participating in community events and festivities, and offering scholarships to Hope’s youth (especially through the Hope Cadets).
According to Williams, Hope’s Legion belongs to everyone in the community and he hopes to see more people using the Legion Hall.
Additionally, the legion is always looking for volunteers and hopes to see younger members sign up and participate in the community work they do. Williams said that everyone — regardless of whether they’ve served in uniform or not — of 19 years of age and older is welcome to sign up. Membership fees are currently $50 a year.
