As 2022 kicks off, the Portage Legion Branch #65 has given multiple local organizations a reason for it to be a happy new year thanks to their Poppy Fund.

President Bob Oldford says the branch donated to the Herman Prior Centre, Sunset Palliative Care, Meals on Wheels, and Service for Seniors. He also gave out a $1,000 bursary for a student heading to university. He says everyone was extremely grateful for the donation.

“It may have been in June or July when things were still kind of shut down that we actually got the money in their hands,” notes Oldford. “But this was the first opportunity for us to get together with the big check. We gave out approximately $13,900.”

He says he’s glad these organizations are receiving the money, especially the Herman Prior Centre, which was in need of new medical equipment, while Service for Seniors was running very low on funds.

“I'm not sure exactly what it was, but they used risk funds,” explains Oldford. But, the folks are more than happy and we're now looking at what we raised this past November.”

He notes now’s the time to look ahead at what they can donate for 2022.

To learn more about the Portage Legion Branch #65, check out their Facebook page here.