President's Latest Update
President's Report and 'Moving Forward' March to June 2020
Sorry for delay in getting this to you. I started it earlier last month just as the COVID pandemic was gaining steam and suddenly took over usurping all attention and then, you guessed it; I forgot, and had to change it to deal with the pandemic crisis. However; here I am back to it again and as everyone knows by now the Branch had to close. It is unfortunate but as we can see now its in all our best interest and as constantly preached by governments and Public Health our job is to comply as advised and which we are. It looks like our down time will continue for many weeks, likely months until we get the go-ahead that it is safe to
resume operations again. It took us a couple days to tie-up lose ends and of course; our manager Jeff or designate must monitor regularly and as necessary
deal with emergencies as they might arise otherwise we are expected like everyone to comply with the Public Health Directives and it remains to be seen
if we may qualify for any assistance even from the significant announcement made this past week by Command. The ladies Auxiliary must also adhere to Public
Health’s directives.
Currently we are in the process of reviewing our Business Plan which we had just approved in March since as you might have guessed will be impossible to achieve because of the COVID 19 crisis. Staff should also know how much they may qualify for when they apply for government support. Yes; it all has sure been a major disruption none of us could have foreseen. And, yes; whether we like it or not we had to close all activities since we are not considered an essential service but also because of the make-up of the majority of our membership are considered in the high-risk category so in the overall best interest we had to close and which was also reinforced by Command. Given the news reports I doubt now that anyone thinks we were over-reacting since the evidence and reality abounds. Having been a healthcare professional and a would-be politician I understand both angles and was also privy to more of what was being planned and has long since happened. We must accept that we will have to modify our way of life and how we operate not only in Legion life but also in home, community and work lives.
The first test for us occurred on March 13 when a couple volunteers said that given their status and what was being advised by Public Health and considering their compromised conditions, they were not prepared show for their raffles shift. Thus, we had to make the decision to call-off raffles which like all else will remain so until we get approval and assurance that it is safe to resume. Over that weekend the public situation worsened, and we were directed to full-scale closure. I spoke with many presents enjoying their routine Friday evening “wind-down” and most seemed to understand. Sorry too but there is every possibility the situation will remain as it is for not only several weeks but months.
We anticipate the impact after the crisis is over will be enormous; It will be a challenge and need patience to resume operations and work on restore the business again and we will need everyone’s cooperation and patronage more than ever. And, yes; one of the realities is that in the interests of everyone’s safety we will likely only be able to respond to service support requests depending on urgency so please bear with us.
Otherwise; currently and to repeat again all activities and programs are called-off until further notice. Even our planned 75th Anniversary celebration of the ending of World War II. Other events too may be called off but since they are still further away, we will determine whether each is possible depending on how the pandemic plays-out and if we get the assurance that it is safe to resume operations. Please stay informed on the latest developments with respect to the COVID – 19 situation and if you are in the compromised category please follow the health guidelines – distance from others, wash hands etc. In brief; let’s continue to use common sense and maintain our health. One piece of good news – in early March on behalf of the Legion I accepted a cheque of $2,800 from the Southern Alberta Arm Wrestlers Club to assist Veterans. Thanks guys!
Thanks to you and all
for your cooperation and support. Please keep healthy!