Wallaceburg's Branch 18 Legion has received a major funding boost toward its renovation project.
The family of Steve Bilodeau, a beloved supporter of the community, donated $275,000 on Friday, December 22.
According to Sue Baert, one of the Legion's fundraising assistants, the campaign's goal is to raise $1 million.
However, Baert said by the time the project is complete, the cost will likely be over $1 million.
The project will see the facility's public meeting space undergo a major transformation. It will also be named the Steve Bilodeau Event Centre.
“Steve was the next generation of shakers and movers," said Baert. "There's a lot of things in Wallaceburg that he's touched that nobody has an idea of. In his lifetime, he just continued to give back to the community."
Other plans for the project include an elevated patio that will wrap around the south and west sides of the event centre.
The goal is to complete the renovations for the Legion’s 100th anniversary in 2026.
“With 100 years of dedicated service to veterans and the community, the Legion is embarking on a transformative revitalization project to ensure a lasting legacy for generations to come,” read a statement from the Legion. “Since its establishment in 1926, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 18 has been a beacon of remembrance, service, and community in Wallaceburg. As the Legion approaches its centenary, the commitment to honouring veterans and their families remains unwavering."
Anyone interested in donating to the campaign can do so online through the Legion's website.
