Each year the Richmond Hill Historical Society gives a community member or organization the Bert Hunt Award.
The Bert Hunt Heritage Certificate Award acknowledges outstanding contributions to the preservation of Richmond Hill’s past and efforts to raise awareness about the value of that past to the community and its citizens. Bert Hunt was recognized as a community volunteer and Citizen of the Year by both the City of Richmond Hill and the Province of Ontario as he tirelessly advocated for preserving Richmond Hill’s history. The award attempts to acknowledge the legacy Bert Hunt gifted to the City.
The Richmond Hill Historical Society wishes to honour Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375 Richmond Hill with the 2025 Bert Hunt Heritage Award. It is one of many legion branches throughout Canada that support our Veterans and current members of our Armed Forces and their families. Celebrating their 80 year anniversary, the Branch has provided the community with many services. As a self- sustaining non-profit organization, it has been an active member of the Richmond Hill community.
Since it is the World War Two, 80th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe- May 8, 1945- it seemed poignant to remember the years of service the Legion has provided in the City of Richmond Hill. Celebrating concurrently with this historic world event it makes the value of the Legion more important as the number of veterans from that conflict are dwindling in numbers.
The Annual Poppy Drive in the Fall allows the Canadian legion to provide funds that are needed to Veterans in need. Members connect annually with local businesses to have the poppy boxes. It keeps the presence of honouring the military heritage. In addition, a Veterans Services Officer assists in helping veterans applying for benefits.
The Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph is a joint effort provided with the Legion taking an active role with the City of Richmond Hill. Remembering the contribution of local citizens who served in so many Canadian military endeavors, keeps the heritage of that commitment current. As it is well attended by people of all ages who honour that service.
The local Air Cadets for 58 years have been sponsored by the Legion. Air Cadet 778 Banshee troop parades with other members of Richmond Hill at the Remembrance Day service as well as other times during the year. Young people learning about military service providing a modern presence to the community.
Legion President Terri O’Connor embraced a program that honoured Veterans from all conflicts. No Stone Left Alone originating in Alberta is now a part of the Legion’s Annual endeavors. It means a poppy and flag are placed at the graves of such Veterans during November. Ross Toms is a Legion member who actively recruits young people who help with this important project. To date more than 2500 graves have been honoured in such a way in the Richmond Hill Area. Ross said they are always finding more graves each year that reflect the commitment of Richmond Hill residents in Canadian military service.
Coordinating with the City, the legion accepts applications for the Yonge Street Banner Program from family or community to provide a banner honouring the person’s war time service. The family provides the funds for the banner while the legion gets it made and the City puts them up during the month of November beyond November 11th along Yonge Street in the centre of Richmond Hill.
Members of the Legion are often seen at many community events. They were active at the City of Richmond Hill’s 150th Heritage Summit held September 10, 2024. They have made many donations to Richmond Hill’s groups and organizations over the years.
As a valued service organization in the City of Richmond Hill, the Richmond Hill Historical Society is very happy to present the Bert Hunt Heritage Certificate Award to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375 Richmond Hill for all they have done and continue to do contributing to the conservation and preservation of Richmond Hill’s heritage by raising awareness about the value of the military heritage to the community and its citizens.
Congratulations Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375 Richmond Hill for 80 years of service to the Richmond Hill community.
Richmond Hill Historical Society 