05/31/2026
As many of you know, Anne and I have chosen not to continue on the Branch 82 Executive Committee, effective June 1st, 2026.
Before we step away, we wanted to leave you with a few thoughts after dedicating nearly 20,000 volunteer hours collectively to our Branch over the past three and a half years.
When we first became involved in January 2023, our goal was simple: to help make Branch 82 cleaner, stronger, more welcoming, more professional, and financially healthier for all Veterans, members, and our broader community. Hearing members tell us how much better the Branch is today than it was just a few years ago has meant more to us than any title ever could.
Much of our motivation came from family legacy and pride in service. My father, Peter Lawrence Senior, a Veteran of the Royal Air Force and Life Member of Col. Alex Thomson Memorial Branch, would have been incredibly proud of what this Branch and its members have accomplished together over these past several years.
Every decision we made was guided by what was in the best interest of Branch 82 and its future. Leadership at the Legion is ultimately about stewardship — protecting and preserving an organization that belongs to the members, the Veterans, and the community we serve.
One thing Anne and I are especially proud of is the culture of energy, optimism, and momentum that developed within the Branch over the past several years. Anne and I believed deeply that if you lead with vision, positivity, hard work, and genuine care for the organization, others will want to be part of building something meaningful together.
We were fortunate that so many members, volunteers, staff, and supporters embraced that spirit alongside us. What was accomplished at Branch 82 was never the work of two people alone — but we are proud to have helped spark the passion, commitment, and belief that meaningful change was possible.
Like any organization, there were challenges, disagreements, and difficult decisions along the way. Not every decision may have been perfect, but every decision was made with sincere care, good intentions, and a genuine desire to move the Branch forward.
Anne and I are extremely proud of the countless hours, energy, and heart that so many people contributed to Branch 82. Together, we helped transform Branch 82 into one of the strongest and most vibrant Legion branches in Canada, while preserving the values and sense of community that make the Legion so special.
After much reflection, we felt this was the right time to step back and allow the next Executive team to guide the next chapter of the Branch.
We sincerely hope the new Board continues building on the strong foundation that has been created over the past several years, works together respectfully, and always keeps the best interests of the Branch at the centre of every decision.
Thank you to everyone who supported us, volunteered alongside us, participated in our initiatives, and cared deeply about the future of our beloved Branch 82.
We wish Port Credit Legion continued success for many years to come, and we look forward to enjoying the friendships, activities, and community that make this Branch such a special place.
Let me highlight some of the progress achieved together over the past three and a half years. Here are your “more than 8 Things 2 Know”:
Membership growth from 386 voting members to 780 voting members.
Revenue growth from $545,000 to over $1,000,000 annually
Food sales growth from $3,400 to $114,700 annually
Hall rental growth from $64,000 to $171,600 annually
Over 1,000 hours of room rentals donated to community and charitable organizations in the past year alone, with thousands more hours discounted for community use
Growth in Branch financial strength from approximately $99,800 in bank reserves to approximately $360,000 (plus $65,000 Poppy Fund), while remaining debt free
Nearly $49,000 raised during this year’s Poppy Campaign — a 21% increase over the previous year
Deck expansion was completed to fully capitalize on the spectacular view and maximize the use of the best kept secret in Port Credit
Exterior refurbishment and painting was completed to restore our Building to capture its original luster and prominence in the community.
We negotiated the sale of a small portion of the Branch property to the City of Mississauga for the construction of the pedestrian bridge which we know will reap significant benefits to the Branch in the years to come.
Countless repair and maintenance projects that included the Riverside Room, the main entrance foyer, Clubroom dart areas and Bar, the new Lower Round Room. The replacement of Flooring, Doors and Windows. HVAC upgrades, electrical and plumbing infrastructure upgrades and roofing repairs.
Operational modernization including electronic payment systems, accepting eTransfers, improved financial processes, standardized operating procedures, and expanded staffing structures to support a million-dollar operation
Our success was bolstered by the partnerships that were nurtured with the Branch 82 Ladies Auxiliary, St. Andrew’s Pipes and Drums, COMPASS, Santa for Seniors, PROBUS, City of Mississauga, Lakeshore Corridor Community Team, Port Credit Community Foundation, BIA Port Credit, Southside Shuffle, Port Credit Paddling Club, DSAP, M.A.I.L., Chartwell Regency, Shores of Port Credit, COBS Bakery, Designer’s Carpet One, Aloft Group, Crown Productions, Monaco Windows and Doors, Old Credit Brewery, and others.
Growth of an incredible volunteer team of more than 25 dedicated members who helped make Branch 82 the vibrant destination it has become.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you the Executive members who contributed so much during this period of growth and renewal.
We will close with a HUGE THANK YOU to the staff who worked so hard to help Branch 82 achieve this tremendous growth and improvement. Bar Stewards: Karen and Gerry were with us from Day 1 of our journey. Matt who came on board early in our tenure then Julie who we recruited as a volunteer at our first Fish n Chip Friday dinner. All of you have worked tirelessly over these years and shown a true passion for the important work the Legion does, day in and day out. The Cleaning Staff: Dan, Pam and Ivan who are in the Branch very early in the morning 7 days a week, keeping the Branch looking and smelling great and also setting up for the hundreds of events we have each year. Building Steward and Jack of All Trades, Richard who is always eager to do whatever is needed to keep the building and operations running smooth. Chef Ray who ended the carousel of cooks who came and left. Finally, a Chef who understands the Legion’s purpose and cooks with passion and creativity. Thank you all for your commitment, passion, and countless hours of work behind the scenes. The progress made at Branch 82 was truly a team effort.
We especially want to acknowledge everyone who stepped forward to volunteer, support events, serve Veterans, welcome members, and help create the positive atmosphere that now exists throughout the Branch. Your efforts made all the difference.
We also leave the Branch with confidence in the strong staff team now in place, including Sue as Branch Manager, Tracy as Branch Secretary, Lynn as Events Coordinator, Ray running the kitchen and newer staff members who will continue supporting the Branch moving forward. These staff are supported by some extraordinary volunteers - Claire and Marc St. Georges, Maria Inamoto, Alan Parkinson and his wife Esmeralda, Mike and Jenny Catton, Luc Digugliamo, Evelyn Hertzog, my wing-man Larry Brown and his wife Deb, Donna Porter, Kathy Bull, Rob Hoffman, Josh Hornick – I am surely missing some and I do apologize for that.
It has been an incredible honour to serve this Branch and its members. We are grateful for the friendships, support, and memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
Lest We Forget
Yours in Comradeship,
Steve Lawrence, 2nd Vice President and Operations
Anne Lawrence, Branch Secretary, PRO & Property Chair
