Hotel Dieu Shaver Celebrates the Royal Canadian Legion's Century of Service and Community Impact
Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre and Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation proudly welcomed Royal Canadian Legion members, veterans, community leaders, patients, and supporters on Wednesday, August 26th to celebrate the Royal Canadian Legion's 100th anniversary and its enduring impact on communities across Niagara and beyond.
The celebration welcomed representatives from 11 Royal Canadian Legion branches from across Niagara, along with a representative from Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command, to recognize a century of service, advocacy, remembrance, and community support.
Veteran Peacekeeper Eric Jensen with wife Linda and daughter Tamara
For generations, the Royal Canadian Legion has stood as a source of support for veterans and their families while strengthening the communities they call home. Through charitable giving, volunteerism, and community leadership, Legion members have helped improve countless lives across Niagara, including those of patients receiving care at Hotel Dieu Shaver.
"The Royal Canadian Legion's impact extends far beyond a single organization or community," said Kristina Manzi, Executive Director, Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation. "It is the result of generations of people choosing to give their time, their resources, and their support for the benefit of others… For 100 years, the Royal Canadian Legion has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service, compassion, and community across the region. Through that commitment, generations of people have benefited from care, support, and opportunities for healing. We are honoured to celebrate that legacy."
A highlight of the event was the sharing of a personal story from the family of Veteran Peacekeeper, Legion member, and former Hotel Dieu Shaver patient, Eric Jensen. His experience illustrated the meaningful connection between the Legion's commitment to supporting veterans and the care provided at Hotel Dieu Shaver.
“My dad has spent more time [at Hotel Dieu Shaver] than any of us would have liked, we counted four visits,” shared Tamara Jensen on behalf of her father, Veteran Peacekeeper, Eric Jensen. “Each time, we've been very grateful for the care and compassion that he's received. And it's very clear that the staff and volunteers here do this because they truly care.
“My dad has also been a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 58 years. He is a Veteran Peacekeeper and served in the Canadian Army, and the Legion has been a part of his life ever since… This past Remembrance Day, he was awarded the first 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion Medal, which is a huge honor. Also, this year, the Merriton Legion Branch 138 and the Ladies Auxiliary has stepped up many, many times, raising funds for a ceiling lift, a tilt chair, a vital signs monitor and more, all of which my dad has benefited from.”
The event also recognized the longstanding support of local Legion branches and auxiliaries, including Branches 4, 24, 138, 418, the Ladies' Auxiliary of Branch 138, the Ontario Command Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliary Charitable Foundation. Together, they have contributed more than $400,000 toward patient care equipment at Hotel Dieu Shaver, helping fund items such as beds and specialty mattresses, patient lifts, vital sign monitors, parallel bars, tilt chairs, blanket warmers, practice stairs, and other essential equipment that supports patient recovery and comfort.
Guests also celebrated the centennial of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24, one of Hotel Dieu Shaver's longest-standing supporters.
Throughout the event, speakers reflected on the Legion's remarkable history while looking ahead to the future of healthcare in Niagara. Dr. David Ceglie, CEO of Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, shared the organization's vision for the future, including the transformative redevelopment project that will help shape the next chapter of care for patients across the region.
While much has changed over the past century, one message remained constant throughout the celebration: the power of service, generosity, and community.
"Today's celebration was about more than looking back," said Manzi. "It was an opportunity to recognize the people behind the Legion's success, celebrate the difference they continue to make, and express our gratitude for the support they have provided to generations of veterans, patients, and families."
Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation and Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre extend their sincere congratulations to the Royal Canadian Legion on its 100th anniversary and thank Legion members, past and present, for their extraordinary contributions to Niagara communities. As a small token of our gratitude for their years of friendship, service, and support, a commemorative brick has been placed in the hospital's Healing Garden, creating a lasting tribute to the Legion's impact and enduring legacy.
Representatives from 11 Royal Canadian Legion branches from across Niagara, along with a representative from Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command.
