Support needed

Dear editor:
The Emo branch of the Navy League of Ontario is the operating body that works to financially support the 144 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Fort Frances.
The Sea Cadets is a program open to youths aged 12-18. We have cadets who reside from all over Rainy River District.
As of December, 2013, our Corps officially has been put on probation due to the number of cadets and officers that we have. Currently we have 16 cadets and three officers, and we actively are working on recruiting more of each.
This is a vital activity for our area communities. The Sea Cadets hold regular meetings every Tuesday evening and weekend activities on a monthly basis. We also have extra training sessions for our marksmanship teams and drill teams.
The cadets take part in the area’s Remembrance Day ceremonies. Currently, we participate in cenotaph ceremonies for Devlin, Emo, Barwick, Stratton, and Rainy River First Nations.
This year, they have taken part in several out-of-town competitions in Dryden and in Thunder Bay, along with training exercises in Thunder Bay.
Throughout the years, we have sent cadets on trips to France, exchange programs to Bermuda, and an overseas deployment on a Canadian ship, along with an interprovincial exchange program in Newfoundland for the entire Corps.
Many of our cadets take part in the summer camps that are offered from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. We have sent cadets to different competitions for sailing, band, etc.
This all has been with no cost to the cadets other than their spending money.
We are asking the community to write letters of support to help keep our Corps open and be able to continue to offer our programs to the area youth. We need this show of support to prove we are vital program for our district and for our communities at our feasibility review meeting.
To do this, please send us a letter addressed to the Department of National Defence, Re: 144 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Fort Frances, c/o Emo Branch of the Navy League of Ontario, P.O. Box 611, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
I would like to thank everyone in advance for your help and support in this matter. It is the support of a great community which makes great things happen!
Sincerely,
Crystal Gray,
President,
Emo Branch,
Navy League
of Ontario