ESTEVAN — The Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is looking for support as it embarks on replacing part of its roof.
Branch president Jim (Frosty) Forrest said the legion has been making a financial appeal to local businesses. A small portion of money from the ongoing truck raffle could be directed to the project. The legion has received a $30,000 grant through the Veterans' Service Club grant and it has also secured financing for the project, but the legion would rather generate the necessary funds than have debt at the end of the project.
"We're just going to be doing a lot of fundraising," said Forrest. "Even just the smaller stuff, we're doing a steak supper once a month."
The next supper will be July 26 and tickets are available by phone at 306-634-3135 or dropping by the legion branch.
The legion has applied to different companies, some of them local and others outside of the community, but he pointed out the money might not come in until later in the year.
Forrest said the legion has to replace the roof above the main hall and the kitchen; the estimated cost is $500,000.
"It's imperative [to complete this work]," he said. "When it was done the last time, they used a foam that absorbed water, and once the hail punched holes in it, it wants to take on water. We have to be very vigilant. The weight of the roof is getting to be too much.
"It's one of those deals where if we don't replace the roof, we're probably going to have to close the building, because it would reach a point where it's not usable. That would be a sad deal, not only for the legion but for the community."
Beyond the legion's activities, the hall is used for a variety of events, suppers and fundraisers throughout the year.
Roof repairs are expected to begin by Aug. 4, he said, and he expects the project will take less than 30 days.
"We're looking forward to having it done and getting everything cleaned up," he said.
