Royal Canadian Legion

The Royal Canadian Legion is a national veterans’ and community service organization in Canada, established to support veterans, promote remembrance, and serve communities.

Overview:

  • Founded: 1925 (in Winnipeg, Manitoba)

  • Purpose:

    • Support veterans, including serving Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members and their families.

    • Promote Remembrance of those who served and sacrificed for Canada.

    • Strengthen communities through volunteerism, youth programs, and community services.


Key Activities:

  1. Veteran Support

    • Advocacy for veterans’ benefits, pensions, and healthcare.

    • Assistance with Veterans Affairs Canada claims and services.

    • Housing and transition support for homeless and at-risk veterans.

  2. Remembrance

    • Organizes Remembrance Day ceremonies nationwide.

    • Distributes poppies (through the annual Poppy Campaign) to raise funds for veterans.

    • Maintains memorials and promotes historical education.

  3. Community Engagement

    • Supports youth programs (e.g., Cadets, scholarships, sports).

    • Provides meeting spaces and event venues at Legion branches.

    • Fundraises for local charities and community needs.


Membership:

  • Open to:

    • Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members (serving or retired)

    • Veterans of allied forces

    • Ordinary citizens (as associate or affiliate members)

  • Membership benefits include access to Legion events, support services, and discounts through national partners.


Structure:

  • Over 1,300 branches across Canada.

  • Organized into provincial commands and a national headquarters in Ottawa.

  • Non-profit and non-partisan.


Notable Symbol:

  • Red Poppy – Symbol of remembrance, worn in the weeks leading up to November 11 (Remembrance Day).