President’s message

Remembrance Day – November 11

Good news! Our construction engineer has confirmed that Mechanic Street will not be under construction and that the site will be ready for our parade and celebration on November 11.

A Building Thermometer Gauge has been created and is now on display at the branch. This fundraising initiative aims to raise $100,000 to complete renovations to our Legion branch — and we’re proud to say we’ve already raised $13,000 to start!

Please help the Paris Non-Profit Legion continue to support our community. Funds raised by the Legion go directly back to local causes, including donations to the Veterans Hospital in Toronto and other community organizations.

At the last Legion convention (held in Burford), our area donated over $220,000 to help those in need.

One key project in our renovation is the installation of a lift to the second floor, which will make our branch more accessible and allow us to host multiple events at the same time.

Come see the thermometer display at the branch — I’ll be offering guided tours of the building for potential donors.

Barry Humphrey, President

Events

·       Friday, November 7th – Trivia, 7-9 p.m.

·       Saturday, November15th – Cancer Benefit. 12-9 p.m.

·       Friday, November 21st – Trivia, 7-9 p.m.

Lottery Updates

·       Elimination Draw: Friday, December 6 at 1:00 PM

·       Early Bird Winner (October 4): Ticket #076 – Doris Sinclair ��

·       Tickets: Going fast — almost sold out!

Poppy Campaign

The 2025 Poppy Campaign kicks off on October 31!

·       Volunteer Tagging Days: November 7 and 8

o   Sign-up list available at the branch.

·       Wreath Placement: Begins at 10:00 AM for Veterans, Service Clubs, and Churches, followed by the 11:00 AM ceremony.

At 11:00 AM, wreaths will be placed on behalf of:

·       Federal, Ontario, and County Governments

·       Korean Veterans

·       Hong Kong Veterans

·       Canadian Forces

·       Zone B2

·       Branch 29

·       OPP

·       Firefighters

·       Girl Guides, Scouts, and local schools

If you wish to march in the parade, please meet behind the Brant County Offices and check in with Comrade Mark Ford.

100th Anniversary Celebrations

We’re thrilled to share that eleven local community groups are now part of the 100^th Anniversary Poppy Project, bringing our total Poppy Count to 3,823!

Donna Campbell’s fiber art quilt continues its local tour and will be on display at the Legion from November 1–14. During this time, you can help name the quilt in honour of Remembrance Day. Next, the quilt will travel to the Paris Museum and Historical Society, where it will be featured alongside a display of local Legion history. The exhibit will remain open through the New Year — drop by to learn more about Branch 29 and our proud history of community service.

Thank You!

Your ongoing support helps keep our Legion strong and our community connected.

Every donation, volunteer hour, and shared story makes a difference.

Due to the fact that the donation request letters for the 2025 Thank-A-Vet Luncheon were mailed right before the postal strike, We wish to share the following information.

The 2025 Luncheon will be held on November 1 at the Warren Group / Cainsville Community Centre.

We hope that you will be able to support the Luncheon this year.  If the postal strike continues, you can e-transfer your donation to admin@thank-a-vet.ca, drop it off at MP Larry Brock’s office at 108 St. George Street, Unit 3, or call me at 519-770-9314 and they will make arrangements to pick up your donation.

Dear Friends:
Twenty-eight years ago, the Thank-A-Vet Luncheon Committee began a
tradition of hosting veterans, their partners, widows and widowers of
veterans and Silver Cross Mothers from Brantford, Brant County, Six
Nations of the Grand and Mississaugas of the Credit at the Thank-A-Vet
Luncheon to show our sincere appreciation for their service to our great
country.
Plans are underway to host the Luncheon on Saturday, November 1,
2025 at the T.F. Warren / Cainsville Community Centre. Community
volunteers will serve a delicious lunch and a commemorative gift will be
given to every veteran and their partner, the widows and widowers of
veterans and Silver Cross Mothers.
For any veterans, widows and widowers of veterans and Silver
Cross Mothers who are unable to attend the Luncheon, the Thank-
A-Vet Committee will deliver a gift bag prior to Remembrance Day.
We are a registered charitable organization and tax receipts will be
issued for the full amount of your donation. In addition, you or your
company will be recognized in the Luncheon program and in an insert
that will be included in each delivered gift bag.
Enclosed please find a Donation Form. If you wish to assist with this
very worthy project, please forward a cheque or make an eTransfer as
detailed on the Donation Form. Due to rising costs for the luncheon
meals and veterans’ gifts, we have found it necessary to raise the
sponsorship amounts this year.
If you have questions, please contact Jayne Carman at 519-770-9314 or
by e-mail at admin@thank-a-vet.ca
On behalf of the Thank-A-Vet Luncheon Committee, thank you!

Dave Levac Bill Chopp
Co-Chairs,Thank-A-Vet Luncheon
Don’t Forget – Thank a Vet!

Helen Banks receives her 20 years of service pin from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 Paris President Barry Humphrey

——

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 Paris recently presented Helen Banks with her 20-year service pin, celebrating two decades of unwavering commitment to her community. 

Helen’s journey began in 2004 when then-President Morris Croome asked her to be the branch Secretary. 

Helen’s dedication to helping others stems from her father, a decorated veteran and Lance Corporal in the Highland Light Infantry of Toronto.  He shared cherished stories with Helen of giving chocolate to children in Holland during his service—tales that still warm her heart. 

“By supporting the Legion,” Helen shares, “I feel close to my dad.” 

With her sights set on reaching 25 years of service, Helen’s inspiring legacy continues to shine as Branch 29 approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, proving that true service builds connections one event and one heartfelt tribute at a time. 

Thank you Helen!