Pictured above: (Left) Delicious meals being cooked up at the AC Lakeside store. (Right) AC Lakeside staff present the cheque for funds raised to American Legion – Post 13

The Alaska Commercial Company’s (ACC) Lakeside store in Sitka, Alaska, teamed up with the local American Legion to support its Membership Drive & Fundraising BBQ, hosting the event in the AC Lakeside parking lot on October 24.

The American Legion is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to U.S. war veterans. As America’s largest veterans service organization, The Legion is committed to mentoring youth, sponsoring community programs, devotion and other services to service members and veterans.

The Legion’s success depends on active membership, participation and volunteerism. As a result of the effects of Covid-19, it has suffered lower engagement, sales and foot traffic. AC Lakeside Branch Manager, Vince Winter, and his team knew they had to step up and support the Legion. Winter and his team were happy to provide store support by hosting the fundraiser at the store and by cooking up delicious barbecued meals. By the end of the day, a total of $1,340 was raised for The Legion’s Sitka Post.

“They [The American Legion, Sitka] have a long history and are dedicated to our veterans and their families by offering assistance,” said Winter. “This fundraiser will assist with future events like the ‘Meals for Vets,’ community outreach and supplying toys for children at Christmas.”

Pictured above: Sitka residents show support by participating in the Veterans Day parade

Furthermore, AC Lakeside demonstrated support for the Veterans Day event on November 11. Store veterans participated in Sitka’s Veterans Day parade, where sacrifices made in the name of freedom were honoured and remembered at the Totem square, while practicing social distancing. The store also contributed by donating some items for the lunch hosted by the American Legion Post 13 Sitka.