The Turner Valley Legion marked its 95th birthday on Jan. 27, but that wasn't the only thing being celebrated.
Thanks to overwhelming community support, the organization's CERB loan has been paid off.
Support came from throughout the community, including 11-year old Casey Emerson.
"We had a community member, this young boy, approach us," said secretary-treasurer Beth Burk. "He was selling firewood and from every bundle of firewood, he was going to donate $2 to the Legion. He came in to visit us and presented us with a $100 donation to help us out.
"So, it took the whole community to help us out, young men like this to help build our future."
Through the public's support, the Legion has finally paid off the government funding it received during the pandemic.
After joining community members in the burning of the CERB paperwork, Burk spoke to the future of the Legion.
"Now that we're debt-free, we can plan for the future," she said. "Part of our building is over 95 years old. It's time to start looking at some upgrades, some renovations, some energy efficiencies.
"Our focus this year is on building our reserve, being proactive, start planning for a future so that the building's still here in 50 years."
Burk is optimistic about the future, especially with the dedicated support of the community.
"Thank you to the members, our community members, the Ladies Auxiliary, our town council, the whole region, everyone that came and helped us out and came to our aid."
Upcoming events at the Legion can be viewed here.
