
The Royal Canadian Legion is a national veterans’ and community service organization in Canada, established to support veterans, promote remembrance, and serve communities.
Overview:
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Founded: 1925 (in Winnipeg, Manitoba)
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Purpose:
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Support veterans, including serving Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members and their families.
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Promote Remembrance of those who served and sacrificed for Canada.
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Strengthen communities through volunteerism, youth programs, and community services.
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Key Activities:
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Veteran Support
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Advocacy for veterans’ benefits, pensions, and healthcare.
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Assistance with Veterans Affairs Canada claims and services.
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Housing and transition support for homeless and at-risk veterans.
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Remembrance
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Organizes Remembrance Day ceremonies nationwide.
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Distributes poppies (through the annual Poppy Campaign) to raise funds for veterans.
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Maintains memorials and promotes historical education.
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Community Engagement
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Supports youth programs (e.g., Cadets, scholarships, sports).
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Provides meeting spaces and event venues at Legion branches.
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Fundraises for local charities and community needs.
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Membership:
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Open to:
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Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members (serving or retired)
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Veterans of allied forces
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Ordinary citizens (as associate or affiliate members)
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Membership benefits include access to Legion events, support services, and discounts through national partners.
Structure:
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Over 1,300 branches across Canada.
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Organized into provincial commands and a national headquarters in Ottawa.
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Non-profit and non-partisan.
Notable Symbol:
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Red Poppy – Symbol of remembrance, worn in the weeks leading up to November 11 (Remembrance Day).