ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON CHILLIWACK DECEMBER 1ST

December 1st, 2025 was a great day in Chilliwack for veterans and their guests.  With great assistance from Catherine McConnell, Rod Clemons, Dorothy Snodgrass, and Debbie Deziel.  They did a great job at the door making it seamless as possible, the decorations, and door prizes.

It was a wonderful meal of turkey, and probably the best ham I’ve personally tasted in years.  Plus all the fixings and dessert. The Chilliwack Curling Club did us all well, evidenced by the fact I never saw any plates with food left on them.  And a huge thank you to all who attended.  107 registered and 95 in attendance.

Our guest speaker(s) didn’t disappoint.  A subject that could very well be very dry, Chaplain Bill Ashbee and Chaplain Dave Field did us all proud.  In stealing Chaplin Ashbees line,  “He put the topic onto first base, and Chaplain Field hit the home run double”.  Spiritual wellness in the RCMP is extremely important to our serving members, and I can personally attest how important it is within our Support & Advocacy group.

We were also glad to welcome Acting Sgt. Major Nathan Olson and Staff Sergeant Major Kathleen Darby, the SSM for the Lower Mainland District.  It’s important that our association remains in a close relationship with our active Force.

We also made a pretty sizable memorial.   We were able to raise for the Kerian Holiday Wish the amount of $900.75.  And further to that, another cash donation amounted to $535.00 along with several toys and food items that were also donated.  The cash, toys and food were turned over to the Chilliwack Community Services office by Catherine McConnell.

We would be remiss in not thanking Veteran Art Hoivik who years ago wanted to hold a Christmas lunch for veterans and friends.  Thank you Art and you were missed.

Thanks again for a wonderful event.

Murray F. Macham

RCMP Veterans Association 

Vancouver Division 

Vice President and Support & Advocacy