The Canadian Legion was formed at a convention in Winnipeg in 1926, with the late Clarie Gillis of Glace Bay and the late "Phonse" MacDonald of Sydney, representing Cape Breton. The first officers of the Branch Arthur Chiasson, Edward Griffiths, James Lawson, Pierce LeBlanc, James E. Pasher, Robert Rushton, and John G. In 1960, the Queen gave consent to attach the word "Royal" to the Legion's name
. Since its inception, Branch 015 has been at the centre of community life, organizing the annual Remembrance Day service and parade, and pitching in with other local events throughout the year. Along with supporting veterans and their families, the Allan MacDonald Memorial legion and the Ladies’ Auxiliary have always helped local youth, charities, hospitals, seniors homes and needy families. The Legion disburses much needed charitable funds in the community, from hospital foundations to scholarships and bursaries for seven high schools and other worthy causes. Membership hit a high of more than 160 in 2012 and currently sits at around 110, making it one of the most successful Legions in Canada. These days, you don’t have to be a veteran to join; Branch 015 offers associate and affiliate memberships. Membership has its benefits – literally, from savings on cable TV packages to BCAA membership discounts and other goodies. The familiar one-story building at 3472 Plummer Avenue is merely the branch’s latest home. Meetings were first held in various locations throughout New Waterford area. Our present two storey building replaced the previous building due to a fire in the early eighties. However, through dedication and hard work of a few extremely dedicated individuals, Tom White, Gordon Martell, Ralph Degiobbi and Jake Ryan, to name a few and the leadership of Allan MacDonald, the legion rose from the ashes to what it is today, a focal point of the Community.
The building underwent a major overhaul in 2012 that modernized the look by adding new windows, siding, roof, and many interior renovations as well. In 2020 the Royal Canadian Legion elected its first female President Ruth Dupe with Frank Corbett as 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President Anna Skinner and Rose Henry as Secretary/Treasurer and Lester Henry as Service Officer. Three months later on March 16/2020 the branch closed its doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic and remained closed until September 17/2020. The bar reopened and the bartenders volunteered their services until Nov 1st when they could start paying the bar employees again. The pandemic created the worst and lowest days of the branches history and was only held together by the diligent and hard work of the Executive. With no way to raise money the branch struggled to pay its financial commitments each month and at times it was thought that the doors would permanently close and their Charter turned in. In 2021 President Ruth Dupe was returned to office for a second term along with 1st Vice Frank Corbett. Long time member Bert Davis was elected 2nd Vice President and Cherry Gouthro accepted the nominations for Secretary/Treasurer and Lester Henry returned as Service Officer. Monthly Breakfast is on the 2nd Sunday of each month (eat-in or take out). $8 per person. The menu includes eggs done your way, your choice of bacon, sausage or bologna, homefries, pancakes, white or whole wheat toast, juice and unlimited tea or coffee. Please call or text 902-371-0642 if you want to reserve your table. To order TAKE-OUT please call 902-862-3367 the day of the breakfast. Other activities during Covid-19 are Bingo every Thursday at 7 pm and MeatRoll every Sunday at 2:30 pm and the Ladies Dart League on Wednesday evenings and a mens private pool group plays each week also. These activities are all done by dedicated volunteer members as Covid is still with us and the number of people who can attend these functions are still limited by the Dept of Health guidelines. We are hopeful that 2022 will see us return to some kind of “normal” business again. Thank you to our patrons for your continued support of our Legion. Without you we would no doubt have closed our doors forever.
