The High River Legion is hurting after being closed for a few months during the pandemic.

Past President, Bob Collins, says they shut the doors in March, and only just re-opened the lounge for a few hours a day back on Monday, June 15.

He says they need to get some cash flow going now.

"It is essential. You know we have the building. Even though it was closed we have operating expenses. So, we have to get that from somewhere. And so that's why we're slowly opening up, trying to get back to normal, if that's the normal."

He says they had to lay off their staff when they closed.

"They all had to make their way through government programs. So it was a hard knock for everybody."

Collins says they hope to re-open the restaurant again in the next few days.

Legions across Canada are asking the federal government for help as they struggle to pay their bills and re-open.

So far the national organization has sent off a couple of letters to Ottawa, but haven't heard back.

They say as many as 120 branches could be forced to close if they don't get federal help.

The head of the Alberta Legion Command says up to 19 legions in rural Alberta are in bad financial shape coming out of the pandemic.

 

Send us your news tips, story ideas and comments at news@highriveronline.com