A historic building opened in 1922 in downtown Calgary needs help to fund its roof repair.The Royal Canadian Legion Calgary (Alberta No. 1) Branch is a veterans' organization with a rich history.Its legacy goes back to 1916 during World War One, when a few Canadian soldiers returned to Calgary and formed the Great War Veterans' Association of Canada — dedicated to helping veterans reintegrate back into normal life.After their association grew in size, they undertook the project of creating a building with a Memorial Hall for club rooms and for veterans' and community gatherings..Similarly, today they provide "essential services within communities and honor the sacrifices of men and women who serve Canada."Phil MacAulay, President of the Royal Canadian Legion Calgary (Alberta No. 1) Branch, highlights the importance of preserving the building saying, "We've been around since 1922 — years in the community. ""We do serve the community, and not just the veterans and their families.""We do all sorts of outside community engagement, the radio station, CJ swing, Sled Island Music Festival." "It's a building worth saving in Calgary, basically the big thing.".MacAulay says the building will need an entire roof replacement — which "in excess costs $350,000.""We never know what percentage of a grant we might receive."This is why they need the public's help.MacAulay states, at first the building "needed an Emergency Roof Repair done.""The cost for that, counting the assessment, was $42,000, which has been taken care of."He says, "from the "$42,000.00 for the emergency roof repair, we only received $10,200.00 in grant money.".MacAulay states, it's a "five-year project, and then they're also doing a complete building assessment to see what else — the building's 100 years old.""There's probably going to be other issues we're going to run into."To help donate to this cause and save Canada's history while supporting its veterans, click here.
