Air Force Veterans Club of Moncton
Jennifer Gouchie-Terris
Although the number of veterans is slowly dwindling, the Moncton Lions Sick Children’s Fund with proceeds from
Air Force Veterans Club of Moncton continues to provide its Chase the Ace and sponsors a Bingo once a month in
benefit of the Veterans Health Centre.
support to its members and the community.
“Our volunteers also bring veterans from the health
Incorporated in 1950, it is the only air force club left in
centre to the club once a month for a light lunch and half
Canada. Membership fluctuates between 600-700 men
dozen or so members drive the disability bus which we
and women ranging from 40-90 years of age.
helped fund,’’ adds Lebans who
“There aren’t many clubs left,’’
has been involved for about 20
admits President Reg Lebans.
years but has been coming to the
“ Only about half our members
club since the 1970’s.
are veterans because of age,
The original building burnt to the
illness and death.’’
ground in September, 1989 and
Yet it’s an active club, with
had to be rebuilt. For those who
members and their guests
come on a regular basis, hanging
taking part in a number of
out at the club helps to fill their
regular events and activities
day and provide them with some
including dart leagues, cribbage
much needed fun, laughs and
tournaments, indoor washer
companionship.
toss tournaments, light lunches
The future of the club hinges
and BBQ’s. More than 100
President/Président Reg Lebans
on new membership. You don’t
people attend Friday night
have to be a veteran to join
dances each week and another
and they are always looking for new members. Lebans
60-70 gather for Karaoke Night held each
encourages people to give it a try with absolutely
Sunday evening.
no obligation.
All are at a minimal cost and made possible through the
“Come on in and meet some people. If you like it, ask
hard work of 50-60 dedicated volunteers who help out in
for an application. We don’t turn many people away.’’
a variety of different ways.
Located at 494 St. George Street, the club is open 1-8
“We couldn’t do it without the volunteers.’’ praises the
p.m. during the summer months with the exception
club president.
of Friday and Saturday when it stays open until 12
The number one priority when it comes to fundraising
midnight. Winter hours are 1 p.m. – 12 midnight seven
is the local air cadets club followed by the two area
days a week.
hospitals, soup kitchens, food banks and the Sue Stultz
Annual Turkey Drive. But the club also supports the
Le club des vétérans des Forces aériennes de Moncton
Bien que le nombre d’anciens combattants baisse
lentement, le club des vétérans des Forces aériennes de
Moncton continue d’offrir un soutien à ses membres et à
la collectivité.
Fondé en 1950, il est le seul club des Forces aériennes
encore actif au Canada et compte parmi ses membres
entre 600 et 700 hommes et femmes âgés de 40 à 90 ans.
« Il ne reste plus beaucoup de ces clubs, admet le
président, Reg Lebans. Seulement la moitié de nos
membres sont des anciens combattants, l’âge, la maladie
et les décès faisant leurs ravages. »
Pourtant, le club est actif. Ses membres et leurs invités
participent aux activités régulières, notamment les ligues
de fléchettes, les tournois de cribbage, les tournois de
lancement de rondelles (washer toss) en salle, les petits
dîners et les barbecues. Une centaine de personnes
viennent danser le vendredi soir et une bonne soixantaine
assiste à la soirée de karaoké le dimanche soir.
Les activités sont offertes à un prix modique grâce au
travail d’une soixantaine de bénévoles dévoués qui
contribuent de différentes façons.
« Sans nos bénévoles, il serait impossible d’offrir ces
activités », affirme le président du club.
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