We are pleased to announce that the successful recipient of $16,000 at the February meeting was the Army Navy Air Force Veterans Club of Simcoe  – presented by Bruce Wilson, President (sponsored by Sue Goble).  The other charities selected to present were:  Norfolk Literacy Council presented by Anita Hillis-Krause and LaSalette Area Rural Roots Community Hall presented by Sandra Rayner (sponsored by member Jo-Ann Beselaere).

The Army Navy Air Force Veterans Clubs are the oldest Veterans organization in Canada established in 1840 in Montreal Quebec.  There are three Veteran hospitals in Ontario:  Parkwood in London, Sunny Brook in Toronto and in Ottawa.  The Simcoe club donates financially to each of these hospitals throughout the year also providing support for our Veterans through personal gifts, entertainment and assisting with fundraising.

The Simcoe Club enables many local communities to utilize their Simcoe location – free of charge.  These include The Who Did it Club, Special Olympics, Norfolk SPCA, NGH volunteers and for the last 12 years, 100 Women Who Care Norfolk.

Like so many organizations, the Army Navy Air Force Simcoe Club struggles to maintain their aging facility.  In 2001 they suffered a devastating fire which resulted in a full rebuild.  Now, 24 years later, equipment needs to be replaced and they find themselves in a position where they need to ask other organizations in our community for financial assistance.

The Simcoe Club has an immediate need to rebuild their cooler refrigeration unit at a cost of $12,000 and their air conditioner will need replacing in the spring at a cost of $6,000.  On top of this, their deep fryer needs replacing ($5,500) and the ice maker no longer works.  These upgrades/repairs will need to be completed if the club is to continue to support our Veterans and our community.