Allegations of an individual masquerading as a Okotoks Legion member have been proven untrue.
An article published by the Western Wheel reported the legion received word from a member of the community warning that a man was frequenting local businesses selling a $20 coupon booklet with proceeds said to be going toward the legion, the Veteran's Association Food Bank in Calgary and Ukraine humanitarian relief.
Fundraiser organizer Keenan Tameling said the man in the initial reports has indeed been working for veteran's charities for more than two decades and is a part of a third-party fundraiser for True Patriot Love, a non-profit based out of Toronto.
"It was a real gut punch to see those things," Tameling said of the reports indicating the fundraiser was a scam. "It just felt like a wildfire."
True Patriot Love brand strategy and communications senior director Sarah Barker confirmed the third-party fundraiser is legitimate.
The fundraiser, whom Tameling identified as a man named Art, was frequenting Okotoks businesses this week selling a coupon book which prompted allegations of fraud.
After selling approximately three books at Hub Town Brewery, a patron recorded the man's vehicle information and licence plate before reporting him to police.
When RCMP caught up with him, he said he was from True Patriot Love. Sgt. Sukh Randhawa confirmed to the Wheel that the fundraiser is perfectly legal.
Tameling said business owners and managers are always consulted before being visited. When fundraising in locations such as Walmart and Save On Foods, he said a table will be set up with a banner identifying the group.
He said the $25 book features some savings from local businesses who opted to provide deals in support of veterans.
Having had personal connections with veterans suffering from PTSD and other ailments, Tameling said it was important for him to get involved.
He described True Patriot Love as the "United Way for veterans," supporting food, housing, mental-health resources and more for those who served.
Profits from sales will be distributed to local causes supporting veterans in the Calgary and Okotoks area, Tameling said.
"That was really important to us when we decided to partner with them," he added. "Obviously, we want to help people close to home first."
This scenario has been a learning experience for Tameling, who said he has now made contact with local legion branches to make them aware of the fundraiser.
His hope is that the compassionate intention of the volunteers behind the fundraiser is restored after this mishap.
At the end of the day, he Tameling said the goal is to increase awareness surrounding the struggles faced by veterans and raise funds to support them.
"We're just looking to strengthen our community and all those little factors," he said. "Our heart is really in it."
