That's not fair KevB, I only present a point of view that contrasts with yours. Where's the up yours emoticon when you need it >
;D
Anyways back to uniforms. My first suggestion is White shirts: Contact the commisionaires and enquire about a bulk purchase from their supplier. Out here they are comfortable and long lasting and they also have shoulder epaulettes and cheap if I recall (20 bucks or so).
Slacks: go to the Bay or Zellers or Walmart and inquire about a bulk discount for the legion. Don't get too specific just imply your legion and old, helpless people (it works sometimes).
Blazers: This one is hard. My first suggestion would be too find out how much you can afford (hopefully you have funding allocated). Once you have a good idea of total available amount then you can decide between tailored or off the shelf. If you go off the shelf try and go through the same people who may have supplied the slacks. This way they may be more inclined to throw you a better deal, it doesn't have to be a big retailer just someone who will throw you a bone.
Shoes: Most people will buy their own but if you reimburse a partial amount it wouldn't be refused.
Berets: Maybe a supply person on here could point you in the right direction. There might be an old pile of them somewhere or they may be availablle for sale through kit shops. Otherwise Headgear can get bloody expensive, at say 30 or 40 bucks each X 2 or 3 dozen plus cap badge is all of a sudden a good chunk of coin.
Flag standards and all that stuff should be available for free from Branches that don't use them anymore. Go for cloth badges unless you can scrounge some old metal RCL ones (major savings).
Money is a big one especially if you don't have alot. Out here there is always Casino money but if your branch can only afford so much, ask if they can circulate a letter amongst the other branches and see what they might be able to contribute. Poppy money is in and the branches get to decide where it goes, so now is the time to ask. I can't speak for Montreal and environs but in the Lower Mainland a parade goes for about 300 bucks minimum but you can get alot more.
If you are working with a Cadet corps, give them some $ so they find it harder to refuse future gigs. Keep your appearances to a healthy level, if you add too many events people get "donor fatigue" and your numbers can collapse real fast.
The second most important thing is don't get too ambitious about your start up quantities. If there are economies to be had, then so be it, otherwise be prudent and only have enough to outfit say every person one and a half times. So 10 people... 15 uniforms or less. Just make sure there is a couple bucks put aside for more later.
Just remember Gucci kit is going to kill your bottom line. If you guys succeed, then splurge a little.
Good luck bro, Everyone who stands up for the legion is standing up for one of our longest lasting, most benevolent charities in Canada.
