Ms. Grace Browning has enthusiastically dedicated countless hours to assisting her community, particularly Veterans and their families. As a 28-year-member of The Royal Canadian Legion, she has always embodied the motto “We will remember them” throughout her service.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Ms. Browning was an active member of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education Service Club, knitting and sewing garments and blankets that were sent to troops and Veterans’ hospitals. As a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Vancouver/Burnaby Zone Committee, Ms. Browning has held many positions including Poppy Campaign liaison, where she has ensured the success of the Legion’s major annual fundraising campaigns in the cities of Vancouver and Burnaby. She is also the Chairperson of her branch’s Poppy Campaign, demonstrating her commitment to success by starting her planning six months before the campaign begins. In addition to her dual Chairperson duties for the Poppy Campaign, she distributes poppies to and accepts donations from the students at Simon Fraser University. She takes the time to talk to the students, answering questions about the history of the poppy and explaining its symbolism. Ms. Browning is very approachable and knowledgeable and is a fiercely proud Canadian.
Ms. Browning plays many more roles at The Royal Canadian Legion, including preparing the cenotaph and making wreaths for Remembrance Day ceremonies; volunteering as a chaperone with the Legion’s National Track and Field event; carrying the Colours in parades, funerals and other events in British Columbia and Washington State; and helping with the patients’ bingo program at the George Derby Centre, a Veterans’ care facility.