INFO ABOUT PORT CREDIT LEGION
The Col. Alex Thomson Branch #82 of the Royal Canadian Legion has been part of the Port Credit landscape for more than 90 years, the past 50 plus at our current location: 35 Front Street North on the banks of the Credit River. The branch is dedicated to the memory of Col. Alex Thomson a former Port Credit resident who was decorated for bravery and killed in action in France during World War 1.
The Royal Canadian Legion was originally started in the 1920's to serve the needs of the disabled, sick and wounded veterans returning to civilian life after World War 1. The Legion also provides a meeting place for these veterans. During World War Two the Legion provided skills training for overseas veterans returning to civilian life. There was also compensation for pension and medical needs.
The Legion is the largest service organization in the country supplying many millions of dollars to local community programs. Our branch in Port Credit contributes to such charities as:
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The Cancer Wing of Credit Valley Hospital
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Trillium Health Centre of Mississauga
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Canadian Cancer Society
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Peel Hospice
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The Alzheimer Society
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The Legion also provide programs for seniors and youth & education in the Mississauga area
MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Peter Lawrence
1st Vice President, Building
Although I have only been a member of this legion for a few years now, I have been associated with Branch 82 since my childhood. My father is a life member, joined in 1964 and past member of the executive. I am excited to be a member of th e executive and look forward to doing whatever I can to help this branch succeed.
Steve Dyer
2nd Vice President
Served in the Canadian Intelligence Corps, Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve, Mobile Command from 1968-1972, Steve also served as a drill and weapons instructor and stood sentry for weapons during the October Crisis in 1970 and was posted to 3 Canadian Mechanized Commando (3 MECH CDO) in Baden-Solingen West Germany for the NATO REFORGER war games in 1971. Now retired, Steve rides with 1 CAV Headquarters, Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit. It is an honour for Steve to serve as the Service Officer at RCL Branch 82 and looks forward to helping our veterans who are in need of our support.
James Camilleri
Past President
Been a resident of the Port Credit area since 1972. Many an hour spent doing community service. Very dedicated to the Legion and it’s future. Enjoys serving on the executive.
Kim Reinhart
Treasurer
Member since 1998 and immediately was volunteered to help out in events the branch holding. Started as the Sports officer, then became First Vice President and eventually President. CPA by profession, and thus it stands to reason that Kim fills the position of Treasurer. She enjoys working with her comrades to ensure that Branch 82 remains viable and to continue supporting our Veterans
Anne Lawrence
Executive Secretary
Passionate about honoring veterans, Anne dedicates her time to serve as the
President's right-hand officer at Branch 82 in Port Credit. With 30 years'
experience in private & public sector, she brings valuable skills in
organizational success. Her focus lies in promoting remembrance, advocating
for membership growth, driving positive change, and raising vital funds. By
leveraging expertise and a strategic approach, she strives to create a
stronger community and support veterans and their families, ensuring needs
are met, and sacrifices never forgotten.
Steve Lawrence
Branch Manager
Steve Lawrence, a recent retiree from the business world, is a valuable addition to Branch 82 with his extensive background in sales, marketing, and service delivery. Steve is driven to contribute his skills and experience to the organization. His personal dedication to serving veterans, members, and the local community stems from his family ties to the Port Credit Legion and his father's honorable service in the Royal Air Force.
2nd Lieutenant
Jimmy H Birtwell
Poppy
Jimmy has been an active member of the RCL since 2018. He joined the Legion on his 18th birthday and became the youngest member of his initial Branch. He transferred from Br. 614 to Br. 82 in 2022.
At his previous Branch he held the position of Sgt-At-Arms, and has carried Colours since 2018. He is a former Army Cadet attaining the rank of Sgt, and currently serves in the Canadian Armed Forces CIC Branch with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant at 2824 RCACC. He also volunteers as a Navy League Cadet Officer in Mississauga. The Remembrance Program, Poppy Campaign, and Cadet Movement are extremely important to him, and dedicates many parts of his life to supporting Veterans, and organizing ceremonies and parades.”
Norm Lacasse
Sgt. at Arms
Been a member of Port Credit Legion for 33 years and during that time has held several executive positions. He now also work with the cadets on top of other roles. He is also on the executive for Zone and District, and also proud to be a veteran.
Karen
Sangwin
Ways & Meanst
Karen has been a legion member for 11 years and counting. She looks after some of the events and entertainement at the Legion, as well as the Decor for all the functions, incl, Live Music, Kareoke & Special Functions all aimed at increasing attendance at the Legion to raise much needed funds. That's what Ways and means is all about.
Entertainment
