The walls of Diamond Valley's Legion are a little more vibrant.
Volunteers rallied with brushes to adorn the previously drab blank wall of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 entryway with a vibrant mural of poppies.
“They approached me and said they want to have something bright in the entrance,” said Sherri Gussman, a member of both the Legion and the Sheep Creek Arts Council.
“It was very dark and not very inviting, so we’re trying to use this space as more of a community space, getting families in here and stuff.”
With that plan, she rallied her fellow Sheep Creek artists and they took to the walls.
“It is a community space, I can bring my grandkids here, we rent it and have parties here," Gussman said.
While the pandemic was hard on cash flow, the Legion branch has been able to bring events and weekly specials back.
“On a Thursday evening this place will be absolutely packed,” Gussman said. “We have the meat draws and wings night and it’s packed in here."
That turnaround has been a huge plus for the grandma, who sees the Legion as a hub for her community.
“The fact that people come with their families,” Gussman said. “I can’t think of another place that has children’s events, so we have family dances once a month, there’s a Christmas party for the kids.
“We have all kinds of different events going on like trivia night, darts and pool, so people can just come and enjoy the space.”
Just as the Legion branch offers community programming for all ages, membership isn’t just for veterans or service members, but any community member 18 years or older who is keen to support their community.
The Legion Branch 78 continues to expand its events and programming.
For more information, visit turnervalleylegion.ca or call 403-933-4600.
