With a lineup stacked with local artists and bands, the Esquimalt Legion is hosting a day-long concert to raise funds for Veterans House Victoria, which provides housing and long-term support for homeless veterans.
From noon to 8 p.m. on April 12, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 172 will be host to The Love Cats, OTR, Donny Peterson and the Tone Rangers, Helen Davies, David Carl Trio and headlining act Bryce Allen, in an effort to support the charity.
"[Bryce Allen] is a country-western band, but most of the bands we have are a mixture of rock and roll, country to pretty well everything. And then there's going to be food, and it's going to be an all-day event," said Gary Mons, Legion event coordinator. "There's quite a few veterans in Victoria that are in very bad shape, health-wise, and homeless, can't afford rent. And those are who's covered under Veterans House."
Terri Orser, a co-chair of Veterans' House Victoria, says the funds raised at the event will go towards day-to-day operations at the Colwood facility, where volunteers provide around-the-clock housing and support to those in need.
"It basically provides safe transitional housing to veterans that are in need of housing, and [helps them] get back to society again," said Orser, adding she connects veterans with Veterans Affairs to make sure they get any benefits they are entitled to.
In April 2024, the new Legion branch reopened at 622 Admirals Rd.
