Maple Leaf Unit #287
Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans In Canada
The Maple Leaf Unit # 287 is unique as it is the only all Women's Unit in Canada still in existence.
The first meeting of the club was held on October 21st, 1946. During this time women who had been in the services felt they needed to have a time and a place to meet and reminisce during their rehabilitation and discharge from the services. At this meeting Mrs. S.E. Redley was chosen as President. It was decided to be known as the Ladies Section of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans In Canada.
An application for the Unit Charter was accompanied by a donation of ten dollars from the Saskatoon Unit #38. The Charter was presented in an impressive ceremony in Saskatoon, by A.J. Wickens, K.C., then Dominion President on April 10th, 1947. The Unit was to be called Unit #287, the Maple Leaf Unit of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada. The Charter is proudly displayed in the Ensign Room at the club.
Today there are approximately 30 members in the unit.
Mrs. C.W. Lewis is the only original member still very active. In January, 1969, a Life Membership was presented to Mrs. Mrs. Lewis by Mr. ken McKay of Saskatoon, first Vice President of the Provincial Command. Mrs. Lewis is the first woman to be awarded a life membership in the organizations.
Ruth Bond-Martinson is the current President.
Saskatoon Veterans Unit Marking Fifty Years
The only female veterans' unit in the country under the Dominion Command of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans celebrates its 50th anniversary this month. The Maple Leaf Unit #287 is made up of women who served in the army, navy and air force during the Second World war. It received its charter in march of 1947 and is holding its anniversary dinner on April 12th.
The Unit formed with the help of the Anavets Unit #38 Saskatoon. Unit #38 Secretary, Ken Kynoch served as honorary president of the Maple Leaf #287 until it received its own charter.
Gladys Marcelin, one of the charter members, remembers fondly when the women officially got their own unit.
"Oh Boy, I remember that day. We were really proud gals."
Unit #38 today still shares its club rooms with the all-women's unit.
Eleanor Bocking, the only other remaining charter member still living in Saskatoon, says the group formed because women who had been in the armed forces felt they needed a place to meet and reminisce. Friendships were formed and may memories were shared over the years, says Bocking.
Aside from providing an opportunity to socialize and share with one another, the unit has also given the women a charitable outlet. Every month, the group donates to various community organizations. At one time, the members held bake and craft sales, dinners and other events to raise money. They also used to make up Christmas boxes for the needy.
"Today we just donate money. You get to be a certain age," Says Marcelin.
The members also used to canvas for the Salvation Army. Now they volunteer their time at Christmas to ring bells and collect money in the malls for that organization. They also sell poppies for Remembrance day.
Just like 50 years ago, they still hold meetings every second Tuesday of every month. Today, there are approximately 30 members in the unit.
Excerpt courtesy
Danielle Chartier Ford, Free Press reporter | 
