Members of ANAVETS Unit 222, the Royal Canadian Legion, and local and provincial dignitaries gathered at the local ANAVETS club in downtown Prince Albert on Monday to announce a new grant to the club, and highlight the success of the Saskatchewan Veterans Service Club Support Program since it was created in 2019. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

By Logan Lehmann

Upgrades

Local ANAVETS Unit 222 recieves $23K grant from province’s Veterans Service Club Support Program

Jul 21, 2025 | 5:06 PM

The local Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) Unit 222 received a big boost in funding on Monday.

Provincial dignitaries Kevin Kasun, MLA for Prince Albert Carlton, and Alana Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, along with members of the Unit and of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 2 in Prince Albert, gathered at the ANAVETS building in downtown for the announcement, where the province committed $23,280 for upgrades around the building.

Ross also announced that the grant would be one of dozens happening across the province through the Saskatchewan Veterans Service Club Support Program.

“For 2025-26, $1.4 million in project grants were provided to 67 Legion branches, ANAVETS units, and other registered nonprofit veterans organizations across our province.”

The ANAVETS Unit 222 building in Prince Albert has received $140,000 in funding for repairs and upgrades since the program was created in 2019. (Government of Saskatchewan/supplied)

Landfill decommissioning

Landfill decommissioning work continues in Melfort

Jul 24, 2025

PUBLIC SAFETY

RCMP report shows violent crime spike in Sask.; premier vows action on drugs, bail reform

Jul 23, 2025

Senior Golf Championships

Local golfers in hunt to defend titles at Senior Championships

Jul 23, 2025

Introduced in 2019, the program grants up to $30,000 to support facility upgrades, operations, events and other activities to advance the work and help strengthen the long-term sustainability of veteran service organizations. The program is delivered in collaboration by the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command, the Saskatchewan ANAVETS, and the Government of Saskatchewan.

For ANAVETS Unit 222 in Prince Albert, last year’s $28,400 grant was used to upgrade the plumbing in the lounge. This year’s more than $23,000 will be used to renovate the downstairs auditorium, which includes the relocation and repair of the stage, the construction of a storage room, and other upgrades to create a more functional layout to host larger events.

Last year’s grant was used to fix some of the plumbing in the building. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

“Projects like this, as well as previous years, would not have been possible if not for support from the Government of Saskatchewan through the Veterans Service Club Support Program,” said Floyd Lavalee, President of ANAVETS Unit 222. “On behalf of the ANAVETS Unit 222 board, members and staff, we would like to extend a huge thank you for their commitment to provincial Veterans and their families.”

Since its inception six years ago, the program has allocated more than $7.4 million to 460 applicants for various upgrades and projects. For the ANAVETS Unit 222 in Prince Albert, they have received more than $140,000 in funding over that time.

Legion board member Gary Johnson shows MLA Kevin Kasun (back) and Minister Alana Ross (right) the basement of the ANAVETS Unit 222 building, and takes them on a tour of what the plans are for this year’s $23,280 grant. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

“By lightening this financial load, the program allows us to focus on our mission, which is to serve veterans, including serving military and Royal Canadian police members and their families to promote remembrance and to serve our communities and our country,” said Carol Pedersen, Saskatchewan Provincial President of the Royal Canadian Legion.

“What is further appreciated is that the Veterans Service Club Support program helps not only larger centers, but also the smaller rural communities. It brings added stability to our branches and sends a message of appreciation to our veterans and our communities. I have seen many branches do necessary repairs and upgrades to their buildings, which may not have been possible without this funding.”

—

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

On Bluesky: @loganlehmann.bsky.social