Although she has only been an official member since 2022, her dedication began well before then; she initially brought her strong organizational expertise to volunteer two days a week in the treasurer’s office before being elected to the executive fall of 2025.

Born, raised, and having raised her own family in Port Alberni, BC, Betty-Ann spent her career as a trained Phlebotomist and covered clerical duties as well at the Port Alberni Hospital. With her two
sons fully grown, she was inspired to join the Legion by her husband, Robin Allen, a dedicated member of over 20 years. Robin served in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Program as a Sub-Lieutenant and has always been highly active with the Navy League and Sea Cadets.

Driven by a deep desire to give back to her community alongside her husband, Betty-Ann has quickly become an indispensable asset to the branch. Upon stepping into her role as Membership Chair, Betty-Ann spearheaded a modernization project. Foreseeing the influx of centenary members, she created a comprehensive, electronic database providing the branch with a streamlined, and highly efficient digital membership system.

Betty-Ann credits many long-time members for their invaluable mentorship during her transition into leadership. She places Wayne Stuart, Finance Chair, at the very top of that list. Wayne generously
showed her the ropes, sharing his vast knowledge and providing oversight of all Legion expenditures and operational procedures.

Beyond her administrative achievements, Betty-Ann has also found her creative niche in revitalizing Tuesday nights at the Branch, having been instrumental in creating the highly successful Tuesday night Classic Trivia program, which continues to grow in attendance and bring the community together.

Through both her technical dedication and her vibrant community spirit, Betty-Ann continues to channel her commitment to excellence into supporting and growing the Branch 256 family. Her hope for the future is that the branch is able to retain the over 800 new members who have joined during this centennial year. By keeping these members engaged, she hopes to bolster the fundraising efforts that allow the branch to support veterans and provide vital bursaries and grants to the local community.

Story by Kim Rogers Branch 256 Media and PR Chair