(L-R) Blair Eby, Jim Barbour and Sally Kidson of the SMHF, Mary Alexander and Brenda Collins.

Hub Staff

Donations from the Port Elgin Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 340 were made at their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday evening to go help a variety of local organizations.

Two cheques, $3,500 from the branch and $3,000 from the Poppy Fund, were presented to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF) toward the hospital's Emergency Room and Labratory expansion.

“I did a little research before I came tonight,” said SMHF Executive Director, Sally Kidson. “The total given by this branch and the Ladies Auxiliary over the years to the Hospital Foundation is $174,684, not including the donations tonight,” she said, adding that the money donated is about neighbours helping neighbours.

Accepting a $1,050 cheque for The Saugeen Track and Field Club was Vice President, Glen Elliot. “You guys are supporting young people that have hope and dreams and we appreciate it greatly,” he said.

Port Elgin Saugeen Central School Principal, Deborah Raynor said she was very appreciative of the $500 donated towards the school's outdoor classroom. Raynor said that the classroom had been built this year in partnership with Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS). “It's almost finished and we have great goals for using the classroom,” she said, explaining that one of many uses will be outdoor studies. “My music teacher is already planning a rock concert in the outdoor classroom,” she said.

The Owen Sound Hospital Foundation also received cheques, $2,000 for the Cardiac Unit and $230 for the Oncology Department from the Port Elgin branch and the Ladies Auxiliary; and a further $3,000 to the Hospital Foundation from the Legion’s Poppy Fund.

Foundation Development Officer, Willard VanderPloeg accepted the cheques. “We've had a lot of projects going on in the last year and we really depend on individuals and businesses and service clubs to help us make those improvements and keep good hospital care in Grey Bruce,” he said.

The Port Elgin Legion Branch 340, Ladies Auxiliary and Poppy Fund has given $16,400 this year in charitable donations.

Glen Elliot of the Saugeen Track & Field Club accepted a $1,050 cheque from Mary Alexander (L) and Brenda Collins.

Port Elgin Saugeen Central School Principal Deborah Rayner (L) accepts a cheque from Mary Alexander of the Port Elgin Legion.

(L-R) Development Officer Willard VanderPloeg accepts a cheque for the Owen Sound Hospital Foundation from Blair Eby, Mary Alexander and Brenda Collins.