Royal Canadian Legion Branch 445 Callander wants to get the word out that it now operates an empty bottle return depot beside its main building.
The Legion took on the project as a way to help out the community by providing a service.
“We were approached by the beer store when Lucky 13 left Callander. We were provided with the opportunity to become the depot, so we took that challenge on,” said Marc Picard Callander Legion president.
It just completed its first week of operation, and word is starting to spread.
“The staff at the liquor store are the happiest people now that we’re open, because a lot of people were trying to return their bottles to the liquor store and they don’t do that.”
Anything purchased at a liquor store or a beer store is accepted. That includes tetra packs, clear and dark glass, cooler bottles and beer bottles.
“It’s also a small financial effort for us, so we’ll get a little bit of revenue from this. It’s the same as if you were to go to the beer store. Of course we’re always grateful to accept anybody’s donations, but if they’re not willing to donate their bottles, then we pay the same as if you went to any other return depot.”
Money raised will stay with the Callander Legion
“Of course our main goal is to support veterans in our community, and we do that very well. We’re fortunate to have a strong Legion in Callander. We’re not immune to challenges, like every other Legion has. We have a really good membership, but we don’t have a lot of financial income, so this will really help to put some money into our account to keep the doors open and help us provide the services we provide.”
War veteran and Legion member Ron Ward, and his wife Eileen volunteered the first week.
“We do a lot of things with the money, it helps to pay for everything we do. It all comes out of a general fund so this will give us a little extra to work with,” said Ward.
“It’s a little slow right now, but we’ve got signs out in the beer store, and the liquor store. It’s great for people who are visiting the area, staying in cottages. It gives them a place to bring their empties too.”
Wife Eileen is happy that the work they’re doing is also beneficial to the environment by keeping glass and cans out of the landfill.
“I think it’s really fantastic that we can get all these bottles dropped off. People don’t have to keep them piling up in their homes, or just toss them out when they’re done. They can bring them here, and it’s great for the environment,” said Eileen.
The Legion has put out a call for volunteers.
“July and August are very difficult times to get volunteers. We’ve had a few dedicated people who have helped pull this off so far. And volunteers don’t have to be Legion members,” said the Legion president.
Depot hours work around Legion functions.
“We don’t want to be open Friday night for example, because we have a dine-in that’s always attended by over 100 people.”
For the time being, the depot is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. And Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Anyone wishing to volunteer can simply contact the Callander Legion.
