Toronto group splits proceeds from sale of veterans booklets

TORONTO -- The Toronto Coalition for Revitalization has divided $2,115 raised through the sale of more than 180 of its Veterans Military Banners booklets to three nonprofit groups.

Members of the nonprofit group recently presented $1,000 to leaders of Toronto American Legion Post 86 while noting $557.50 each will go to the Helping Hands of Toronto food pantry and the student needs program of Toronto City Schools.

George Komar, the coalition's president, said it's fitting that the post benefits from sales of the booklet, which featured the images of nearly 500 local veterans depicted on banners hanging throughout the city.

The idea of compiling them into one book came from George Wise, who said he wanted a closer look at the service information displayed on the banners honoring his fellow veterans.

Post 86 Commander Rick Hughes said part of the donation will go to the post's honor guard, which presents military honors at the funerals of deceased veterans.

Jim Litva, the post's sergeant at arms, expressed appreciation to the group for continuing the efforts begun by Post 86 members Greg Barto and the late John Watts in recognizing local veterans through the banners.

The book is dedicated to Watts, who worked with Barto and city officials and crews to make the banners a reality.

Komar thanked the many businesses, groups and individuals who made contributions to defray the cost of the book's publication and five businesses and groups that helped to distribute them.

He said some copies might still available at the five locations, which should be called in advance to ensure copies are still available. They are: American Legion Post 86, (740) 537-9317; B&W Auto Repair, (740) 537-9562; Margaret's Cafe, (740) 537-3671; the Toronto High School Alumni Association, (740) 537-9114; and the mayor's office at the Toronto City Building, (740) 537-3743.

Komar said while many activities and events planned by the group last year were curtailed by the pandemic, it has remained as active as possible.

At Christmas the coalition donated 110 $25 gift cards to teachers and service personnel in Toronto City Schools. Komar said the move was intended to recognize school staff for their efforts in these challenging times while also helping local businesses that have faced their own challenges.

He said while most of the gift cards were purchased by the coalition, some of the businesses donated additional ones to show their support.

Komar said the Campbell-Dickinson Run, normally held in March to raise funds for cancer treatment and research, has been postponed because it's hard to predict the local status of the coronavirus in just two months. But he said the group hopes to hold the run later this year.