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In the heart of downtown Regina, Royal Canadian Legion’s Regina Branch 001 has provided communal space for Canadian military veterans since it was first chartered in 1926.

Today, it hosts a museum for Saskatchewan’s military stories and its doors are open to any veteran struggling to file paperwork, find proper medical help or even temporary housing when times are tough.

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The legion provides free, essential walk-in services for veterans in Regina — and yet, the branch had to start a GoFundMe campaign last month to scrape together enough money to stay open.

Branch 001’s story is not unique. Most members served in the Second World War and the Korean War. Many have now passed away, and it’s an ongoing challenge to keep the space open.

Across the country, Royal Canadian Legion branches are facing the realities that come with aging member demographics.

About half of the legion’s 270,000 members are aged 65 or over — a statistic that’s taking a toll on everything from filling poppy campaign shifts to paying the monthly rent.