Toronto, Ontario
Mrs. Keates is the President of The Royal Canadian Legion (Queen’s Own) Branch #344, and she has held this position for 10 years. She is also the Sick and Welfare Officer of her branch. She drives Veterans to functions throughout Southern Ontario, takes them to hospitals and to doctors appointments. Mrs. Keates has organized the Poppy Campaign for a number of years to raise funds for Veterans in need. She organizes other volunteers participating in the Campaign, drops off and picks up donation boxes, takes Veterans and volunteers to their locations, and helps with the accounting of funds. Mrs. Keates is a strong advocate of Veterans' Week, and she organizes a Remembrance Service on November 11th to honour the fallen and branch members who have passed on, along with organizing a luncheon for all those who attended the Ceremony of Remembrance. Mrs. Keates parades at the annual Warriors' Day Parade at the Canadian National Exhibition and arranges transportation for those not able to march so that they may also participate in the event. Mrs. Keates is very active behind the scenes, helping when and where she can. She regularly visits Veterans at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and other nursing homes.