Branch 52

Projects

Royal Canadian Legion Stonewall Branch President Tim Williams (right) presents Scott Newton with a cheque for $79,194.50 after Newton drew the sought-after Queen of Clubs. Photo courtesy The Stonewall Teulon Tribune

Stonewall Legion

The South Interlake 55 Plus and Legion #52 were pleased to present $795 raised at the Coffee Break, Bake Sale & Tea held on September 22 to Jackie Dokken, Interlake/Eastern Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Thank you to everyone who supported this joint event!

Key Principles of Hospitality

S.E.R.V.I.C.E.

How can we gain new members, and encourage existing members to stay? The Legion has developed the following Key Principles of Hospitality – S.E.R.V.I.C.E. – to create a more welcoming and hospitable Legion environment.

S is for SMILE. Each person (member or visitor) who enters your local branch should be greeted with a smile. Ensure the local branch key personnel are aware of the importance of greeting all with a smile. A smile provides a degree of comfort for anyone entering your branch. Always attempt to reach out to the guest before they reach out to you.

E is for ENQUIRE. Attempt to take time to enquire about all present in your branch. Get their name. How have you been? What are your plans for this weekend? Engaging your membership base automatically creates a more welcoming environment by creating a personal connection.

R is for REMEMBER. Not only is this one of our core Legion values but it also is important to remember your members and follow up on any previous conversations you have had. Did your plans for the weekend work out? Did you speak with your wife about attending our Friday night dinner? Remember important dates. Reach out on special birthdays or anniversaries to show recognition of these accomplishments. Again, a key component of creating a personal connection.

V is for VERY NICE TO SEE YOU. This statement goes hand in hand with a smile to create a more welcoming environment. When followed up with remembering a previous encounter it further demonstrates a welcoming environment. Treat everyone with the same level of engagement and courtesy.

I is for INTRODUCE. Make an effort to introduce your members to other people in your branch. The more people one has met the more comfortable they will be on returning, as they will feel part of a larger organization.

C is for CONNECT. Aside from the initial conversations it is important that your branch stays connected to your members when they are not at your establishment. This can be accomplished by having a branch website promoting upcoming events and a regular email newsletter, which are highly cost efficient and proactively keep your members updated on upcoming events.

E is for ENTICE TO JOIN. The chances of attracting new members to join are greatly enhanced once all of the above have been accomplished. If you have created a welcoming environment, your chances will be much higher of signing up new members and retaining current members. Do not be afraid to ask members to join, as it is through our members that we are able to achieve our core values as an organization.

Answering the Call,

Honouring All Who Served

The Stonewall Municipal Heritage Committee is seeking photos of local residents who served or are currently serving in the Canadian Forces, for inclusion in this year's Stonewall Remembers exhibit entitled "Answering the Call, Honouring All Who Served", from October 31- November 13, 2016.

If you have any photos or artifacts you would be willing to share, please contact Catherine Precourt, Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre, 204-467-7980; catherine@stonewall.ca