Prices

October 2010

In case you are wondering about the price increase to $15 for our Club luncheons, here is some background. Several years ago, when the Economy was better, a few generous corporate sponsors provided one-time donations that allowed us to hold the luncheon price steady all these years even though our luncheon costs kept increasing.

To the point where we are now subsidizing each $12 luncheon ticket by over three dollars. But our bank balance no longer allows that and needs replenishment.

In addition, the Kingsway Legion had advised us that their property will be demolished to make way for LRT expansion. Our Club will likely have to find another organization to host our luncheons as neither the new temporary home nor the permanent home of the Kingsway Legion is likely to be in a very “central” location. As a result, the Committee has been exploring alternative locations. Although no decision have yet been made about the timing of a change, or where the club may meet in the future, it has become clear that it is unlikely that it will be possible to find a new home for the club where the costs, even for our modest soup and sandwich menu, could match what we have charged at the Kingsway Legion. This is particularly true if the costs of parking are factored in. A number of the potential alternative locations are unable to offer free parking.

It is also important to realize that the Club has no other sources of revenue other than our Luncheon Tickets and the $5 one-time membership fee. We must pay postage, and print luncheon notices and envelopes for many of our members without access to e-mail, as well as some costs associated with our web site, even though the software is free and the hosting of the web site is donated. And, of course, the Club is completely volunteer-run.

To put it all in perspective, the Club’s first event was at the Royal Glenora Club in 1998 with tickets costing $20 each. Since then, we have tried to keep our twice annual luncheons as inexpensive as possible.