EMERGENCY ELEVATOR REPAIR

My name is Dennis Sirman and I am the President of Montgomery Branch 351 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Following the breakdown of the elevator, the Branch is no longer able to provide fully accessible services to our members and the public at large. Repairs will cost over $100,000.00 and Branch 351 is able to cover 70% of the expected repair bill. The Branch asks for your support in order that it may continue to be an integral part of the center town community.

Montgomery Branch 351 of the Royal Canadian Legion has been serving the center town community and beyond since its inception. Located at 330 Kent Street, Ottawa, Ontario since 1948, it is uniquely situated in the downtown core, serving not only veterans and members of the Legion but the community at large from the homeless, the vulnerable and residents of older Ottawa.

As important as our veterans are and following the rituals and traditions of the Legion, the Branch has evolved to become a primary focus for the center town community.

Branch 351 brings the community together, acts as a focal point supporting the various groups such as Family Harmonies, Rotary Club of Ottawa, Canadian Council for the Blind and more.

The Branch is active and seeking new programs to address the community. Branch 351 offers it premises free of charge to the community for such occasions as “Celebration of Life”, veteran fundraising such as the poppy campaign, provides and addresses special needs through its service officer program, supports youth activities such as Cadets and Scouting; encourages remembrance through poster, public speaking and narrative writing programs with all the schools within our boundary, has a bursary program to assist post-secondary students and finally a place to meet, relax and network within the community.

The aging population has created new problems and Branch 351 is addressing some of this through its seniors program. It offers and leads programs that promote active living such yoga for seniors, and other fitness programs. It serves the community by providing knowledge sharing programs such as income tax clinics, elder abuse prevention and education against fraud and identity theft. Passive, supportive teams building through activities such as Darts, Cribbage, Euchre, and Bean Toss. Karaoke, live entertainment, and other activities related to social networking are weekly events at Branch 351.

The Branch has hosted community led garage sales and will support any organization that is trying to raise funds for their specific cause and will continue to work towards building a stronger community by providing a base for the community to meet at little or no cost. It has an open-door policy that is inclusive, diverse and varied.

The building operates on four levels and supports a large population of senior and physically challenged people.

The elevator is essential to provide fully accessible services.