A community-focused organization based in Calgary with close ties to Jasper is the latest group to donate to the Jasper Legion. 

Foothills Energy Co-Op is an energy marketing organization. On Tuesday, September 25, board members Darrel Perlau and Dave Carnell helped re-energize the Jasper Legion. 

In the aftermath of 25 days straight of feeding three meals a day to first responders, volunteers and residents, Legion manager Suzanne Henderson says the $5,000 donation will go a long way in helping the Legion continue to serve the community. 

“We were serving 1,000 people a day, serving 800 cups of coffee [per day],” Henderson said. “But we made it through.”

Carnell is a former Jasper Park Warden. He has friends here. When the July 24 wildfire destroyed 350 structures and displaced 2,000 residents, he and his peers wanted to help. So when several of Foothills Energy Co-op’s Jasper-based members told him about the incredible community work taking place in the Legion, it spurred the group into action.

“That’s what we’re about,” Perlau agreed. “Sustainability, resilience, all the things this community has demonstrated.”

Foothills Energy Co-Op’s $5,000 hand-up is just the latest donation to the Jasper Legion. Earlier this week, the Lynn Valley (North Vancouver) Legion cut a $3,500 cheque for disaster relief. Before that, it was the Calgary Veterans Association dropping off seven pallets of food and goods. There have been so many more acts of altruism, Henderson said.

Scroll the Jasper Legion’s Facebook page to get the full scope of the many donations and instances of volunteerism taking place at Branch 31.

“So many people, groups, businesses and organizations have stepped up,” Henderson said. 

Jasper Local staff // bob@thejasperlocal.com