Who are we and what do we do?

Who we are

For anyone who may be unfamiliar with our organization, the Royal Canadian Legion was founded in 1925. It is Canada`s largest Veteran Support and Community Service Organization. We are a Not For Profit organization with a National reach across Canada with branches in the US, Europe and Mexico. We have approx. 270,000 members, who volunteer an extraordinary amount of time to their branches, our strength is in our numbers.  We welcome Canadian citizens from all walks of life as voting members and offer rewarding experiences to our volunteers. 

In 2020 the members of Branch 4 Jubilee in Chilliwack and of Branch 280 Vedder Golden in Vedder Crossing voted to merge together and form Branch 295 Chillwack-Vedder. The former Branch 4 building on Mary Street has been sold and all members of 295 are meeting at the former Branch 280 building at 5661 Vedder Road until a new building can be found and purchased.

What we do

We are well known for the support we provide veterans in need; but did you know that we support many community activites through funds raised through our annual poppy campaign and gaming licences?  All of the money raised, except for actual expenses, goes back to our community in one form or another.

Student Bursaries

We give yearly Bursaries to students at Sardis Senior Secondary School, G.W. Graham Secondary School, Chilliwack Secondary School, and Imagine High Integrated Arts and Technology Secondary School. 

Veterans & Member Assistance

We provide assistance for local Veterans their families and our Chilliwack Salvation Army Food bank. We have been able to assist two local Afghanistan Veterans with gift cards from local businesses for Fuel, Housing, Furniture as well as Food for one of the Veterans and his PTSD Service Dog. We do this through funds from our Poppy Fund - This is what you are supporting by buying a poppy, a pin, or make a donation during our annual poppy drive from the end of October to November 10th.. Your help is greatly appreciated by the recipients, the local businesses where we buy the gift cards, and all of us at Branch 295. Veterans in need of assistance in dealing with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) are welcome to contact the branch and ask to be put in contact with our Service Officer.

We also have a "Sick & Visiting" volunteer member from the executive who can often be of assistance to veterans and members in need of help or who just need someone to talk to.

Community Donations

We receive several requests for donations and the deal is, they have to be a Chilliwack local person/organization. The only exceptions to that rule, is for BC Children's Hospital Foundation, BC Cancer Foundation, and Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs – Surrey Chapter (Guide Dogs trained for PTSD, Vision impaired and Autism), as these organizations serve clients Province-wide. Our other donations to Chilliwack groups (many given annually), include Meals on Wheels, Chilliwack Salvation Army Food Bank, the Alzheimer's Society of BC (Chilliwack Chapter), 1725 RCE Cadets, Flickers and Friends Hockey Team, Chilliwack Hospital Foundation, Chilliwack Hospice, BCSPCA donation and fundraiser, Girl Guides of Canada (Chwk. Chapter), Chilliwack Community Services – Family programs, Chilliwack's Spirit Abreast Dragon Boat Team donation and fundraiser, Chilliwack Fire Dept., RCMP Dare Program, and many more. These donations are made possible though various fundraising events we have at the Branch. (Note: Our Bar operations revenue covers our small group of paid staff, and maintain and operate our premises).

Community Services

We've held Flu shot clinics in the fall, and various training sessions like PTSD awareness/management, Food Safe Certification, fitness classes and our First Responder's Appreciation Dinner during Legion Week. Most of these at low or no cost to the participants. (Everyone welcome to attend and advertised on our Facebook page and website). Our building is also a designated as a muster station in case of Emergency in our Community. Volunteers are a huge part of how we are able to contribute to our Community. Thanks to all of you for supporting your Veterans, Community and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 295 Chilliwack-Vedder. 

Memorial Services

Our branch sponsors remembrance services that include Remembrance Day on November 11th; Vimy Day on April 9th; D-Day on June 6th; and Peacekeepers' Day on August 9th. 

Celebrations of Life

The Royal Canadian Legion offers a special Legion Poppy Service to honour veterans who have passed away. Our Colour Party and our officiants will normally attend family services at any location in Chilliwack and surrounding area to conduct the service. Families may also hold their celebrations in the branch at 5661 Vedder Road. (See our Legion Poppy Service & Celebrations of Life Page)

Social Activities

Since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions we, like everyone else, are back into the swing of things and we welcome members of the public at most of our events. We do have a small cover charge for Friday night dances and other select events. 

Krista Smith. President Branch 295 Chilliwack-Vedder