BILLY BISHOP / KERRISDALE LEGIONB.C./Yukon No.176
BILLY BISHOP / KERRISDALE LEGION - B.C./Yukon No.176
BILLY BISHOP / KERRISDALE LEGION

Ways & Means at the Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion Branch

by Billy Bishop

Ways & Means at the Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale of Legion Branch

At the heart of every Legion branch lies the responsibility to serve veterans, honour remembrance, and strengthen the local community. At Branch 176, our Ways and Means, or Gaming, plays the central role in fulfilling this mandate. Ways and Means is completely volunteer driven. It oversees fundraising activities that not only bring members and neighbours together in fellowship but also ensure that we have the means to support local veterans, first responders, and associated charitable organizations. Our time-honored traditions like meat draws and bingo generate vital funds that directly sustain both our Branch and the broader community.
If you’ve ever dropped by the branch on a Sunday afternoon, chances are you’ve seen the fun atmosphere surrounding the meat draw, especially when Jesse Arens is delighting us all on the piano. At “the Billy”, it is one of our most popular recurring events.
Meat draws are about more than just meat; they’re a piece of living history. The idea first took root during wartime Britain, when communities pooled rations and held small draws to help neighbours put food on the table. The tradition came to Canada and quickly found a home in Legion branches, where they’ve been a fixture for decades.
Over the years, the format has evolved — butcher-wrapped roasts have often given way to themed holiday prizes and the inclusion of gift cards – The COVID years saw changes to its presentation— but the heart of the draw remains the same: neighbours gathering, friendships forming, and the community rallying together for a good cause.
Each ticket sold is more than a chance to win—it’s a contribution to local charities selected by the membership supporting veterans, first responders, and seniors.
Our branch also hosts Bingo nights—a lively and social way for members and guests to support our mission; as those who attend can attest to. What makes our bingo unique is the prize structure: winners receive Branch food and drink gift cards, encouraging them to celebrate their good fortune right here at the Legion.
This creates a cycle of community support: funds raised through bingo support our charitable work, while prize winners enjoy fellowship in our lounge. Bingo is not only fun—it’s another way our Branch helps keep the Legion spirit alive and thriving.
Funds raised through Ways and Means activities go directly toward charities that make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans, first responders, and their families. At Branch 176, we are proud to support the following organizations chosen by the membership:
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs – This charity breeds, raises, and professionally trains guide dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, autism service dogs for children with autism, and PTSD service dogs for veterans and first responders. Their programs help clients gain independence, safety, and companionship.
Citadel Canine Society – Dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and others dealing with PTSD, Citadel Canine trains and provides service dogs that offer both emotional support and practical assistance in daily life.
Hero Dawgs – Provides pet therapy to first responders and hospital healthcare workers in critical care units across BC, including Burn, Trauma, ICU, and Emergency wards. These therapy dogs bring comfort, stress relief, and healing connection to those serving on the front lines of health care and public safety. 
Shoulder 2 Shoulder – A program of BC Adaptive Snowsports, this initiative offers all-inclusive four-day retreats for ill or injured veterans and first responders, along with their support person. Skilled volunteer instructors provide adaptive recreation and personal support, creating a safe place for healing, resilience, and renewal. 
Honour House Society – Honour House offers a free “home away from home” in Metro Vancouver for Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, emergency services personnel, and their families while receiving medical care. Its companion facility, Honour Ranch, is a tranquil 120-acre retreat near Kamloops where guests can learn strategies for managing operational stress injuries such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Every meat draw ticket purchased, every bingo card played, and every visit to our Branch strengthens the community we serve. Ways and Means at the branch ensures these small acts of participation grow into meaningful impact — sustaining our veterans, supporting local charities, and preserving the Legion’s role as a cornerstone of fellowship and remembrance.
We invite you to join us at Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion Branch 176 — come for the fun, stay for the cause, and help us continue making a difference.

Apologies to Carey McBeth, Founder and Executive Director of Hero Dawgs for not having a photograph.

Volunteer and Staff Appreciation Event

by Billy Bishop
The Branch Executive hosted a holiday party Monday December 16th, 2024 or all volunteers and staff who have helped our beloved Billy over the past year, generously donating their time and efforts and so helping the Branch improve. We had a great time and are glad you could join us last night! Wishing everyone safe and happy holidays!
Below are some pictures from the event. Click on any image to enlarge the display.
People enjoying each other's company in the Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion Branch lower lounge.
A table with delectable food offerings.
People enjoying each other's company in the Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion Branch lower lounge.

Upstairs Hall Refresh – while in Progress

by Billy Bishop
During the 2024 summer season, our Upstairs Hall and adjoining Bar went through an overhaul refresh.  Our Branch is one of few spaces in the neighbourhood with a flexible rental space with tailored packages at affordable rates. 

Our Kitchen and Marketing Chair, Natasha Smiljanic tenaciously spearheaded the project, accessing great discounts and donations on supplies. With the help of a contingent of volunteers in many capacities, making a variety of contributions the upstairs hall was refreshed, upgraded and brightened, making it an inviting prospect for a wide variety of different events.

Below are pictures of the space when almost complete. Click on any image to enlarge the display.
RCL #176 Upstairs Hall set with a variety of table settings.
RCL #176 Upstairs Hall set with a variety of table settings.
RCL #176 Upstairs Hall set with a variety of table settings.
RCL #176 Upstairs Hall set with a variety of table settings.
RCL #176 Upstairs Hall set with a variety of table settings.
The space is now just waiting for some finishing touches to be considered complete – for this phase at least. 
Stay tuned for new marketing materials and photos promoting the space with a campaign worthy of its new look and added functionality.

Executive Election Slate November 24th, 2024

by Billy Bishop

Branch Executive Nominees for 2025

Table Officers
Click on each Title and Name for additional information about the nominee
The positions of Treasurer and Recording Secretary are appointed, not elected.
Dan joined the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own) the month after he enrolled at UBC, and served just over 40 years as an Army Reservist. The first half of his career was spent with his home unit, or in staff positions at headquarters in Jericho Garrison. The second half, he served as the Public Affairs Officer for 39 Canadian Brigade Group HQ in Vancouver; with Army Public Affairs and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in Ottawa; and his favourite military job of all, embedded for two years in the RCMP-led Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit. Overseas service involved stints in Cyprus and Ukraine. He reluctantly retired from the Canadian Army in 2015.

Dan joined Branch 30, Kerrisdale, several years ago in thanks for its support to 111 (Pegasus) Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, where his sons have served, and for the Royal Canadian Legion’s ongoing support to Veterans. He has remained active with Branch 176, including filling in as Sergeant-at-Arms. He currently works as a civilian with the Department of National Defence as the Manager of the Stakeholder Engagement Office (Western Canada), nearby at the Major-General B.M. Hoffmeister Building.
Dan recently served as our Executive’s Service Officer while a Director and is honoured to serve as President. He is continuing to focus on relationships with local military Reserve units and community allies.
Personal:
I am fortunate to live and work in this beautiful city, and province. I moved to Canada at the age of 14, to a small town, Guelph, Ontario, and later to Toronto where I lived for 11 years before moving to Vancouver in 2016. I love spending time with friends, cooking, traveling, reading, boating and enjoying the stunning nature around us.

Work experience:
I am an experienced project manager and business analyst, with history of operations management and business development. Since moving to Vancouver, I have been working in Real Estate. While working with Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate, I marketed some of the most unique and extraordinary properties in Vancouver’s West Side, recreational, development land. After, I have joined Oakwyn Realty Ltd. top performing team, where I continue to build my experience with broad spectrum of property and business sales as an independent Real Estate Advisor. I currently continue to help clients sell their current properties and find their dream homes within Greater Vancouver area.

Work with Legion:
During covid I have joined my local Legion branch, Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale No 176, in hopes to apply my acquired skills towards Legion’s daily operations. I currently hold a position as the Executive Director at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 176 Billy Bishop / Kerrisdale, as well as the Chair of the Marketing Department. Since, I enjoyed being involved in operations, special planning and budgeting, while also overseeing the marketing team, and executing all advertising initiatives. For the benefit of Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion longevity, I make all efforts to build strong relationships with local business and community.
In the short time Natasha has held her volunteer positions with the Branch, she has been able to:
• Boost social media presence
• Successfully organize and run funding campaigns
• Produce engaging marketing material, both print and online
• Help organize and assure profitability of events
• Spearhead innovative kitchen offerings and streamline its operation
• Liaise with other committee chairs and executive team to better up current operations and introduce new initiatives
I have been involved with the Legion for almost 25 years and have held a number of positions on the Executive including Branch President, Past President, Director and Secretary.  

For many years, I have also helped with the Poppy Campaign, Membership, branch communications (weekly email blasts/website) and thoroughly enjoy as the Gaming Chair, being a “Meat Draw Maven” – hosting and assisting with the branch’s weekly meat draws.

As a proud daughter of a veteran, it has been my honour to be part of a branch where veteran support and community involvement is paramount. I thank you for your support and look forward to continuing to serve on the Executive.
Current Executive Members seeking
re-election as Directors
I have been involved in volunteer activities for many years. Before the Legion, I was with Scouts Canada. I am also involved in Motor Sports. I am a life member of the Sports Car Club of BC and help out with activities at the race track at Mission BC. I work in the timing and scoring and also the track PA announcer.

I have been with the Legion on and off since the 1990’s. When affiliates were allowed to be on the executive I ran for that office at the Kerrisdale Legion. I was the 2nd Vice President there. I concentrated on being in charge of communications to our members. I held the Office of House and Grounds chair at the Billy Bishop a few years back. This is a tough job for someone taking care of our aging building.

I am the Entertainment Chair at the Billy Bishop Kerrisdale Legion now. I have a keen interest in the Karaoke as well as it brings a wide variety of people to our branch. Read – Young people. I have been involved in the music scene in Vancouver for over 50 years. Church music is where I got my start and I am still there. Karaoke came along 15 years ago.

We need to have a variety of groups come to our branch so our members and guests can enjoy and hopefully buy food and drink so we can support our charities. I am open to hearing about bands and singing groups that we can book.
When I moved into the Kits Point neighborhood 6 years ago, I knew I wanted to get involved with the Billy. I’d been to the branch for social gatherings and liked the atmosphere and the people. I have volunteered on Remembrance Days and met veterans and first responders. Now as a new member of the Executive I hope to apply my 40+ years of business experience to explore more ways the Billy can serve the community as we continue to recover from Covid challenges.
I have been a proud Legion member for almost 20 years and am very passionate for what the Legion stands for.
For 42 years I have worked in Vancouver as a licensed contractor/builder specializing in Heritage Restorations. I am also a Building Maintenance Specialist.
My partner Debbie and I live in Kitsilano and I am the father of 2 sons.
Currently, I am the House & Grounds Chair for the branch and have spearheaded a number of projects including the restoration of the branch’s south wall, putting a plan in place to replace our aging shed, prioritizing building maintenance issues and assisting with regular building maintenance.
As a member of the Kits Point Military History Museum Society, I have assisted in the curation of the upstairs hall displays and was involved with the Defining Moments Afghanistan project. This project involved working with our local Afghanistan veterans in putting together a banner of remembrance.
It is my pleasure and honour to serve on the 176 Executive.
Michael has served on the branch executive for 2 terms and is an instrumental member of the marketing committee ensuring communications are out to our followers in a timely manner. He wears many hats and is always willing to assist. He can sometimes be found hosting the Sunday Meat Draw.
Dave has been a Director of the 176 Branch for 3 years but has been coming to the Legion for many years and is married to Past President Lisa McQuillan.
Dave is a Director at large and helps out where ever help is needed. He has been known to help install a toilet one minute then is taking back numerous bags of bottle/can recycling or helping out with the Sunday Meat Draws the next. He has also, along with Lisa, been helping to keep our website current.
Members seeking terms as Directors
Bill is a long-term Branch member and recently retired from the Vancouver Fire Department after a long and proud tenure.
Don served with the 30th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) in the 1970s and 1980s and also with Canada’s Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa.