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Branch updates and information
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| Keep your Branch informed
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| Forward this email to your Branch Executives, Committee Members and other members to keep them up-to-date on important updates and information.
| | All Branch emails are also available on the Member Services Website
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| In this edition – January 2021
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| Financial aid update and second opportunity to apply | | Over half of The Royal Canadian Legion’s 1380 Branches have received close to half the $14 million dollars available through the Veterans Affairs Canada federal financial aid package. This funding will help ensure many Branches hit hard by the pandemic can continue to operate. | | Read more ‣ | | Branches who missed the December deadline can still apply | | Financial aid is available to help your Branch weather the challenges of the pandemic. The remaining VAC funding has been retained and another application opportunity is available to Branches that did not make the initial December deadline. We encourage your Branch to apply and take advantage of this opportunity. | | Apply for financial aid | | The applications need to be received at your Provincial Command as directed by your Provincial Command with a disbursement of funds by 28 February. | | How to request funding ‣ | | Application Form ‣ | | Direct Deposit Authorization Form for EFT ‣ |
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| Process your renewed members by January 31 | | Legion Headquarters will be sending a direct mailing to non-renewed members this February. Please process your Branch’s member registrations and renewals by January 31st through the Member Services Website or by sending them to Legion House. Any members not processed by this day may receive a mailed reminder. |
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| Refer a friend to the Legion for a chance to win | | The bigger our membership, the bigger the impact the Legion can make in the lives of Canada’s Veterans. | | Encourage your members to invite an eligible friend or family member to join online here before March 30 using promo code REFER. Both current and new member will be entered for a chance to win a $500 Canada Post Visa gift card. | | * Referring member must be in good standing as of January 31, 2021. See full Terms and Conditions. |
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| Dominion Executive Council meeting | | The Dominion Executive Council meeting minutes from the November 28–29 meeting are now available. Minutes from all meetings can be accessed on the Member Services Website under Branch and Command Resources / Dominion Executive Council. | | View DEC minutes ‣ |
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| Member sports cancelled for 2021 | | The 2021 Dominion Member Sports Championships have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent restrictions and associated risks. | | The 2022 and 2023 host Branches will be determined at a future date.
| | Please contact your Provincial Command for information or questions on provincial sports. |
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| Legion Representative in the 2021 Nijmegen Marches | | As the 2020 Nijmegen Marches was cancelled due to pandemic restrictions, the Legion has asked our 2020 Representative, Joan Cook, to represent the Legion in the 2021 Marches. Comrade Joan was pleased to accept the opportunity and continues to train for this challenging trek. | | An announcement for Legion member submissions for the 2022 Nijmegen Marches is expected to be made by January 2022. |
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| Operation Santa Claus was a success! | | The Legion proudly supports Support Our Troops’ Operation Santa Claus program, which provides gift packages to every Canadian Forces member deployed. This past Christmas, we sent over 2,500 gift packages to our troops, thanks to the support of our membership. | | Take a look at what was waiting for our troops on Christmas morning: |
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| Improving Veterans’ support in Ontario | | Last year, The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command worked with the Ontario Government to expand the Soldiers’ Aid Commission so Ontario Veterans of all ages and their families can finally access financial assistance if they are in need. Learn more about this important expansion. | | Learn more ‣ |
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| Clearing the VAC benefit claims backlog | | The Royal Canadian Legion has issued a public statement urging Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces to quickly implement recommendations made to improve the backlog of disability benefit claims. With nearly 20,000 applications still in limbo, Veterans face continued frustration and despair, as many wait in dire need of the disability benefits and supports they need. | | Read more ‣ |
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| Branch Membership Administration | | Resources and tips to support your Membership Chair |
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| + The New Year is a great time to reach out to new and renewing members | | There is still time for members to renew for 2020, and continue their membership for 2021. Members can renew online, making it easy and convenient to continue their support for the Legion. Reach out to your members who have not yet renewed and let them know how their support helps your Branch help Veterans in your community. | | Over 80% of new members are joining their local Branches online! Remember to check your Legion email often via the Member Services Website Web Mail button on the login page for member registration updates. And be sure to reach out to your new members to welcome them! Contact Member Services at 1-855-330-3344 if you need help accessing your email. | | Branches can use these outreach opportunities to collect email addresses using this Excel template, and email it to Member Services at membership@legion.ca to update their member profiles. These emails help ensure all members receive important information about their membership and Legion updates, especially during pandemic uncertainties. | | Even socially distanced, we can still engage our members! |
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| + Sign up for Direct Deposits from Legion National Headquarters | | Sign up to receive Branch payments from Legion National Headquarters through direct deposit to your bank account by completing the attached Direct Deposit Form. No more bank runs or waiting for your cheque to arrive! Simply download and complete the form and email it to DirectDeposit@legion.ca. | | For questions, please contact Tiffany Patterson at the Legion National Headquarters Finance Department by calling 613-591-3335 ext. 262. |
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| Get access to Marketing and PR resources |
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| Marketing Resources | | It’s time for members to renew | | Find a wide variety of recruitment and renewal resources on the Member Services Website, as well as free materials through the Legion Supply Department. | | View resources ‣ |
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| Share the benefits of MemberPerks® | | MemberPerks® is more than a member benefit package. It’s also a tool Branches can use to promote membership. Plus, you can partner with local businesses in your community to offer exclusive discounts for your members. | | Learn more ‣ |
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| Your Legion calendar | | Your 2021 Legion calendar is now available! | | Promote important dates and organize activities at your Branch with this list of upcoming days that raise awareness of an issue, commemorate a group or event, or celebrate an important topic. | | DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR ‣ |
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| Partner promotions | | The following is brought to you by our partners, highlighting special offers and other information. |
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| Special offer from Legion Magazine |
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If you have any questions, please contact Member Services and we will be pleased to assist. 1-855-330-3344 or membership@legion.ca
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST
|  | | Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.
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