SMITHS FALLS — The Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 rang in the new year by giving back in a big way.
More than 170 people attended the annual New Year’s Levee on Jan. 1, where $41,000 was distributed to 22 local organizations, raised through the branch’s year-round fundraising efforts.
“Royal Canadian Legion Smiths Falls Branch 95 had a great turnout in excess of 170 people for our Jan. 1 annual levee,” said legion member Ken Manwell. “This is money we raise throughout the year from our lottery accounts.”
Funds were raised through the legion’s bingo, Nevada, 50-50 draws and Catch the Ace program. Manwell noted that Tim MacDougall received the recent Catch the Ace consolation prize of $465.
As part of the celebration, the Legionnaire of the Year Award for 2025 was presented to Comrade Peter Jerome, while certificates of appreciation were awarded to members of the legion colour party. The provincial command Certificate of Merit was also presented to the branch Ladies Auxiliary.
“The certificate of merit went to the backbone of the legion, our branch Ladies Auxiliary, who are always on call to provide their services,” said Manwell. “Thank you to Bonita and crew for an amazing event.”
Cheques were presented to the following recipients:
- School meal programs at Chimo Elementary School, Duncan J. Schoular Public School, St. Luke Catholic High School, Lombardy Public School, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Elementary School and Montague Public School, $500 each
- Lanark Animal Welfare Society, $500
- Furry Tails Rescue, $1,000
- Smiths Falls Gordon Pipe Band, $1,000
- Smiths Falls Horticultural Society, $1,000
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program, $1,000
- Special Olympics Smiths Falls, $1,500
- Lanark County Interval House and Community Support, $2,000
- Smiths Falls Crime Stoppers, $2,500
- Smiths Falls Community Food Bank, $2,500
- Big Brothers Big Sisters after-school program, $2,500
- Big Brothers Big Sisters general fund, $2,500
- Salvation Army Mississippi Rideau Lakes Corps, $5,000
- Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation MRI Fund, $10,000
- Friends of the Library, $2,000
- Hospice Hub, $1,000
- Cornerstone Landing Youth Services, $2,000
Entertainment for the event was provided by the Jeff Code Band.
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