LANIGAN — The Royal Canadian Legion branch of Lanigan is asking for help from the community to replace its aging roof.
The Legion Hall, built in 1910 as a church at 71 Main Street, Lanigan, faced especially turbulent winds last year, said branch president Jim Hatcher.
“It tore a lot of shingles off. There were shingles all over the place in bits and pieces.”
While the south side received the most damage, the entire roof needs new shingles and wood underneath, Hatcher said. The estimate for repair is $15,000 for plywood, shingles and the cost of labour on the notably steep roof.
Extensive damage to the building caused by rain in the coming months is a chief concern.
“We just got to get moving on this,” Hatcher said.
The Legion’s fundraising began last month with the spreading of a flyer around the community. While they haven’t received funds as of yet, Hatcher said “people are coming together to getting some money raised.”
A plaque is already planned to honour donors, with contributions of $500 for plywood, $100 for a pack of shingles, and $20 for a single shingle, awarding gold, silver and bronze sections respectively.
Given the building’s age, the Legion is pursuing a possible heritage grant of $5,000 from the government, Hatcher said.
The Legion have used their building for over 20 years as a base for their charitable work within Lanigan. With each Remembrance Day, Hatcher said the Legion typically raises around $6,000 or $7,000.
While they have to use a portion of that money to assist veterans in need, Hatcher said the rest of it goes back into the town.
“We buy parts, stuff for the hospital or the fire department, or the emergency team – whatever. Every year we are able to supply something to the town.”
Hatcher expressed how important it is the Legion be able to remember Canadians who died for their country.
“That's our job. We want to keep it going,” he said.
