The Portage Legion Branch 65 has been quiet since the pandemic began.

The Legion has opened periodically to sell memberships and masks. President Bob Oldford says It's really impacted them.

"Our revenue sources are very limited. We do a lot of hall rentals and catering in past years, and we have not been able to do any of that since March of 2020," says Oldford. "That's a big hit in what we can do to help veterans in the community."

The organization is hoping to draw more foot traffic by launching a 50/50 raffle. So far, more than 100 tickets have been sold.

"We started running the 50/50 draws on March 5 through June 11. The idea is there are 2000 tickets at $5 a ticket," says Oldford. "There are several locations around town that you can pick up your ticket."

Locations include Portage Supermarket, Pankos Food Centre, The Portage Farmers Market, as well as Legion members. Patrons can pay with cash as well as etransfer.

Oldford says the group has explored the possibility of opening its doors again.

"We are attempting to prepare to possibly open, but it's going to be a while. If we're going to do it, we want to make sure we do it with the safety of those that come in the doors priority. Our number one goal is that when open, it will be in a safe manner where we're not going to be putting anybody at risk."

You can find out more information about the draw, as well as the latest updates from the Legion, on their Facebook page.