The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 43 is looking for help to raise money to complete renovations on its new home.
Legion members have been donating their time and talent to work on installing drywall and painting at the new facility on Sixth Avenue, but the veterans' organization is seeking to raise about $120,000 to complete the rest of the transformation.
"We want something our community can be proud of," Branch No. 43 president Bruce Gabriel said.
"It's for our veterans and their families, but we also do a lot of work for our community."
The fundraising drive got a big boost on Friday as TransCanada Corporation donated $25,000 to help pay for things like installing the kitchen and preparing the lounge.
TransCanada regional manager Dave Kmet said it's part of the company's national support for veterans organizations, which has included $1 million towards the helmets to hardhats program aimed at helping veterans transition to civilian careers.
"We don't usually fund infrastructure-type projects but in this case, it was clear that without the support of TransCanada and other community players, the Legion will not be able to remain open and accessible to veterans in the Prince George community," Kmet said.
Despite the challenges surrounding the sale of the the legion's former location and its move to its new digs, Gabriel said he always had faith the hall would be open for business. He's hopeful more donations will start to flow now that TransCanada has stepped forward.
Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond said she contacted the pipeline company to see if they would be willing to contribute to the cause and she's challenging other companies and community groups to step forward.
One of the big ticket items still outstanding is the installation of a lift to make the building accessible and renovations of the bathrooms to improve access for those with disabilities.
"There's no better season than Thanksgiving to think of how grateful we are for all that you've done and all your comrades and colleagues and it would be great to express that thanks," she said.
"We need equipment, we need to make the building accessible."
Once the new hall is complete - hopefully in the coming months - legion zone commander John Scott said the goal is to make the new location a family-friendly environment and he hopes the ongoing provincial liquor law review will make that happen.
Bond agrees that young people can learn a lot by interacting directly with veterans.
"We need to teach the generations that are following, and one of the ways we can do that is by having them in this place with veterans," she said.
"It's nice to remember on Nov. 11, but it should be a more frequent thought of all of ours."
