Prince Albert Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 2 has donated more than $15,000 for upgrades and improvements at Pineview Terrace.
Legion representatives made the formal presentation during a brief ceremony at Pineview on Wednesday. The funds will come out of the Legion’s Poppy Fund, and go towards new protective air mattresses and more blood pressure monitors.
“We selected Pineview because we had discovered five veterans or veteran spouses who are residents of the community here,” Poppy Fund chair Colin Riese explained. “We approached Pineview to find out what sort of funding or what sort of equipment they might need.”
Pineview representatives were more than happy to accept the offer. Nursing Unit Manager Terri McMillan said they were “extremely grateful” to have the Legion’s support, especially considering how important the new mattresses and blood pressure monitors were for the residents’ overall health.
“They can be a lifesaver for some people,” McMillan said.
Legion representatives said being able to support local groups and services like Pineview is extremely satisfying. In the future, however, that support may look a bit different.
Riese said Afghanistan veterans are starting to make up a larger and larger part of the group, and they have different needs.
“There are certain issues now they’re faced with every day, so it’s not just seniors,” he explained.
Regardless of the age of the veterans or their families, Riese and other Legion representatives say support for the Poppy Fund will still be vital.
Prince Albert residents have always been strong supporters in the past, and they’re hopeful that trend will continue into the future.
“Keep buying poppies because the proceeds go to a good cause,” legion sergeant-at-arms Garry Renauld said.
“Please continue to support the poppy campaign,” Riese added. “It’s vital for our veterans.”
