Black and white photograph of five men in uniform standing on a row with serious faces. Two of them are holding up flags draped around their poles.
July 12, 2022

Ukrainian Canadian Veterans, Branch 141 (Part I)

Ukrainian Canadian Veterans, Branch 141 (Part I) 

Posted on by Roland Sawatzky

After the Second World War, hundreds of branches of the Royal Canadian Legion were established across Canada where veterans of the war could gather and socialize. These branches became important community hubs of activity, from wedding socials to charitable fundraising, to having a beer with a buddy.  

The Ukrainian Canadian Veterans Branch 141 sold its building on Selkirk Avenue this last March, and though the Branch lives on, the building and its 70 years of social activity is history. I was able to visit the Legion branch as it was closing, and Ron Wachniak was kind enough to show me around and offer a few items for the Manitoba Museum to preserve and exhibit. 

A framed black and white photograph of a brick building exterior with a sign reading, “Ukrainian Canadian Veterans / Canadian Legion B.E.S.L.”. Written on the frame surrounding the photo, writing reads, “Ukrainian Canadian Veterans / Branch 141 / Royal Canadian Legion / Our First Home / 608-610 Selkirk Avenue / 1948”.

The first Ukrainian Canadian Veterans building, on Selkirk Avenue.

This served as the home of the Legion until the 1970s, when the new building at 618 Selkirk Avenue was built. 

A framed black and white photograph showing a group of uniformed men standing alongside neatly lined up empty wheelchairs. Written on the frame surrounding the photo, writing reads, “Legion - Mark Ten / Wheelchair Presentation April 20, 1975 at Branch 141 Royal Canadian Legion.” Written along the bottoms are the names of those pictured including S. Zloty, President Branch 141.

Branch 141 engaged in numerous fundraisers to provide funds and equipment to hospitals and veterans in need. Here the Legion presents 40 brand new wheelchairs. 

A black and white photograph showing seven women in dark Women’s Auxillary uniforms standing beside a woman in a white nurse’s uniform around a vintage television set placed on a small desk.

The Ladies Auxiliary to Ukrainian Canadian Veterans, Branch 141, presents a portable TV to patients at Deer Lodge in 1969.

Fundraising was an important part of Legion life for everyone involved. 

Dr. Roland Sawatzky

Dr. Roland Sawatzky

Curator of History

Roland Sawatzky joined The Manitoba Museum in 2011. He received his B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Winnipeg, M.A. in Anthropology from the University of South Carolina, and Ph.D. in Archaeology…
Meet Dr. Roland Sawatzky