Yellowknife (Dec 19/03) - The Royal Canadian Legion came together last weekend to help out a friend in need.

On Dec. 12, a fundraiser was held for Jim Nolan, an ex-service man and Legion member who was medevaced to Edmonton earlier this month hoping to receive a new heart.

Legion president Lloyd Lush said the event was a huge success.

"The turnout was exceptional," he said. "And I expected it to be."

Lush said people had generously donated a number of items, including paintings, which were auctioned off. There were also games and dancing contests that got people to open up their wallets.

A total of $6,400 was raised for the Nolan family.

Lush said Nolan is a well-liked polite man, so it wasn't a surprise to see so many people come together to assist him and his family through this tough time.

Nolan has since returned to Yellowknife, after spending a short time in Edmonton. On Dec. 14, Lush personally delivered the money to him.

Currently, Nolan is not a candidate for a new heart, Lush said, and he will spend another 30 days at home before being sent back to Edmonton to be re-evaluated. Lush did not explain why Nolan was not considered a heart candidate at this time and the family was unavailable for comment.

In the meantime, Lush said the Legion will do everything they can to help the family out. The money will go towards making Nolan's time at home as comfortable as possible, including buying a television and phone for his hospital room.

"He's in pretty good spirits. He's got a chance at life and is trying to do everything he can," Lush said.