Oyen Legion receives generous donations
By Joan Janzen
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 208 in Oyen is moving forward in 2022, thanks to the generosity of three primary donations. One of those donations was received from Breaking Ground Dance Studio in Oyen. The studio purchased a new sound system for the Legion Hall.
Legion treasurer Dave McKinstry explained that the dance studio had initially raised funds for a trip to Disney World that was unfortunately cancelled because of all the health restrictions. However, Tonya Logan, owner of Breaking Ground Dance Studio, generously offered to purchase a sound system for the Legion Hall. The hall is located at 207 - 5th Avenue East, in Oyen.
“They used the Legion Hall to practice in and to have their shows, so they wanted to provide the much-needed upgrade to the sound system,” Dave said. “It was certainly appreciated.” The estimated value of the system was $12,000.
The Legion also received an unexpected influx of cash in 2021 while the Keystone XL project was in progress in the Oyen area. They received a total of $13,400.00 from TC Energy. Legion president, Terry Skappak explained.
“Half of the money came from the employees from TC Energy, who collected all the recyclables from their camp and donated the funds,” Terry explained. “A week or two later, another cheque arrived from TC Energy matching the donation from the employees’ recyclables. It was very surprising and very welcome!”
Not only did they make a monetary donation, but they also donated sixty chairs and twenty tables to the Legion. “They were absolutely phenomenal!” Terry said.
The third influx of cash came from Michels Canada, the contractors for the pipeline. “Michels Canada rented the Legion parking lot,” Terry said. “They rented it for quite a few months. Nothing was being used at the time, so it was very welcome money for us.”
Michels gave a donation which amounted to at least $300 per month for the use of the lot. “Because of Covid, we didn’t have any money coming in, so it was more than welcome,” Dave McKinstry said. Although Michels could have easily used space out of town, they chose to help out the Legion.
Dave explained that the Legion had just put the new tin on the roof of their building and purchased a new HVAC a few years ago. “By the time those projects were done, the cupboards were getting pretty bare,” he said. “The money received definitely paid some bills, and we were able to do a few improvements in the hall.”
“I don’t think people realize exactly how much they (TC Energy and Michels Canada) help the communities where the pipeline was working. It was a huge cash influx!” Skappak said.
The folks at Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 208 in Oyen sincerely appreciate being the recipients of the generosity of Breaking Ground Dance Studio, TC Energy and Michels Canada.
PHOTOS
L-R: Vice-President of Oyen Legion, Greg Wilson, David McKinstry - Legion secretary, Tonya Logan - owner of Breaking Ground Dance Studio, Finley Girletz, Debbie Kovitch - Legion treasurer, and Legion President - Terry Skappak.
L-R: Terry Skappak - president Royal Canadian Legion 208, Nader Bojakli - TC Energy, Serena Baccante - TC Energy, Debbie Kovitch - Legion treasurer, Larry Russil - TC Energy, David McKinstry - Legion secretary, Bob Redford - Michels Canada, Mike Welsh - Michels Canada, Greg Wilson - Legion vice-president.