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Lottery winner gives Lefroy Legion building fund a boost

Longtime member shares his good fortune with the legion in Lefroy

Derek Francis was asked what it was like to win an $11-million jackpot.

“Just like winning 100 bucks,” he said.

Francis even went back to work the next day, although he gave his employer six months' notice that he would be leaving the job, “after I finished my 34 years.”

Francis was asked the question at the general meeting of the Lefroy-Belle Ewart Royal Canadian Legion on Tuesday night. As a 40-year member of the legion, and Branch No. 547’s parade marshal, Francis would have been at the meeting anyway, but he also had a special reason for attending.

He was there to share the wealth and present a cheque for $26,000 to the Lefroy-Belle Ewart legion's building fund.

“They’ve done a lot for me through the years, as a legion member,” Francis said.

This was a way to give back.

The Lefroy-Belle Ewart legion has applied for a building permit for an 1,800-sq.-ft. addition to the hall on Robinson Street in Belle Ewart, which will double the size of the dining room.

“As far as the new addition, we expect the building permit is imminent,” said building fund chair Terry Maertens. “We hope to have the foundation in by winter. That will help us tremendously, when we go to build in the spring.”

The gift from Francis was accepted by legion president Mark Southcott, to applause from the membership.

“This is just a wonderful donation,” said Southcott, who promised that a plaque would be installed in the new addition in memory of Francis’ late wife, Joanne, an auxiliary member at the legion who had contributed greatly to the branch. 

The building plans mean that the branch won’t be able to book rentals “two months ahead,” noted past-president Bill Van Berkel.

Construction, once it reaches a certain stage, will put the dining hall out of commission until the work is completed.

In the meantime, the branch has a number of special events planned.

This Saturday, the Lefroy-Belle Ewart legion hosts an Oktoberfest Dinner, starting at 6:30 p.m. Dine on perogies, Oktoberfest sausage and sauerkraut, schnitzel and cabbage rolls, for $25 per person. Call 705-431-8519 for tickets.

On Oct. 26, the Lefroy-Belle Ewart legion hosts a Halloween Dance, starting at 7 p.m., with DJ Muddy Mix, and prizes for the best costumes. Tickets are $10 per person, available at the legion or by calling 705-816-2576.

Seating is limited.

The Lefroy-Belle Ewart legion will be holding its Remembrance Day Parade, wreath-laying ceremony, and open house on Nov. 10. Parade forms up at 10:45 a.m., ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. at the cenotaph, followed by refreshments in the hall. All are welcome.


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Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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