The Brighton Royal Canadian Legion Branch 100 Ladies’ Auxiliary was perilously close to having its charter revoked after more than 70 years of supporting the Legion and, by extension, the community.
Dorothy Worobetz, past president of the Legion ladies’ auxiliary, said that elections were held during a recent meeting, and the auxiliary was without members willing to assume the positions of secretary or treasurer. She noted that under the Legion charter, both of those positions need to be filled in order for the auxiliary to continue.
Worobetz said auxiliary executive appealed to the upper echelons of the Royal Canadian Legion and were granted a one-month reprieve in order to attract two new members willing to assume those roles.
Worobetz noted since that meeting with the fate of the auxiliary very much up in the air, the auxiliary has been successful in attracting two new members expected to take on the roles of treasurer and secretary.
“Definitely, we will serve as mentors,” said Worobetz, the owner of Saucy Dotty’s Gourmet Sauces who’s been a member of the auxiliary for more than 10 years.
She noted the ladies’ auxiliary’s problems don’t end there. Membership has decreased to only 20 members, as some have retired from the auxiliary and others have stayed away due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the membership is going on a word-of-mouth blitz to find new volunteers to join the ranks of the auxiliary.
“The ranks are dwindling because of our age and COVID. So, by doing this, hopefully we’ll get new members,” said Worobetz, 82.
As COVID forced the cancellation of fundraising functions at the Legion over the past two years, Worobetz said the ladies’ auxiliary membership also suffered a drop in membership during this time of inactivity. But, with everything opening back up, the ladies’ auxiliary is hoping that its membership can rebound. She noted increasing its membership by 20 would be ideal, but any and all new members over age 18 would be welcome.
“A lot of people have moved here and they’re looking for things to do. It’s a good opportunity for us with all these new people moving into the area, they may want to be involved. And, that’s what we’re looking at, we’re saying ‘come along, you’re more than welcome’.
“The nice thing about our auxiliary is doing for everybody. That’s what our job is. Anyone that likes volunteering I think they would be happy with us,” added Worobetz.
The Ladies’ Auxiliary to Legion Branch 100 has been an active part of the community for 72 years, receiving its 70-year pin in 2020. Auxiliary members have catered meals for fundraising functions within the Legion as well as for funerals for veterans.
All the monies raised by the ladies’ auxiliary goes into various charitable works, including ensuring veterans in the community are cared for. Moreover, the ladies’ auxiliary has a long-standing tradition of presenting bursaries to worthy local high school students.
In addition to supporting the Legion through catering various functions, as well as fundraising, Worobetz said the ladies’ auxiliary has a proud history within the Legion and is involved in various competitions that, in the past, has taken members to various Legions across the district for darts and card games.
“You get to meet so many people from different meetings. We do different functions, we do parades, we wear uniforms and we’re pretty proud of us,” said Worobetz.
Membership in the ladies’ auxiliary is $30 per year for the first year and $20 for subsequent years.
(Written by: Alan Rivett)
