Fort St. John Legion seeking community help in raising funds for property taxes

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Royal Canadian Legion is seeking support from the community to cover property tax costs.

According to a Facebook post from the Sunrise Rotary Club of Fort St. John on June 24, the legion faces an “urgent” need to raise $11,193.91 to cover property taxes.

“The Legion is an important part of our community, providing a place for remembrance, fellowship and support while giving back through numerous community initiatives,” the post said.

“If you know an individual, business, or organization that may be able to contribute, please consider reaching out to them,” the Rotary said. 

The Rotary said it invited two members of the Legion, Kari Ollenberger and Shannon Smart, to its meeting on June 24 to share information about how the Legion operates and the challenges it is currently facing.

Kari Ollenberger, a member of the Fort St. John Legion Branch 102, said in a conversation with Energeticcity.ca, the Legion raises funds for other non-profits in the city, but the Legion also struggles to raise enough money to cover its general fund, which covers its overhead costs, taxes and utility bills.

Ollenberger said she hoped to get on the Rotary’s list of non-profits because “they do amazing work in town and sometimes [the Rotary] has money to give out.” 

According to Ollenberger, something a lot of people don’t know about the Legion is that it is non-profit, and any gaming funds it raises go back to the community and cannot be used for the organization’s general funds. 

People often donate to the poppy drive in November, but it doesn’t help support the general fund to help keep the Legion running, said Ollenberger.

Ollenberger explained that people should remember their local legions because many legions in the province are shutting down because they can’t afford to stay open. 

Anyone who would like to donate to the Legion can send an e-transfer to FSJLegion@gmail.com. Donations can also be dropped off at the Legion at 10103 105th Ave from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

Staff at the bar can also accept donations during the Legion’s operating hours.