Local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion launched their annual Poppy Campaign on Friday.
Local poppy drives are part of the Legion’s national campaign, which gives Canadians an opportunity to remember the country’s war dead while supporting veterans and the community.
“Each year, Canadians step up with amazing support for the National Poppy Campaign,” says Sharon McKeown, the Legion’s Dominion President. “Their generosity and caring are what allow us to host a range of programs and support initiatives for our Veterans and their families across the country.”
All funds raised locally during the campaign stay in the communities where they were donated. Close to $20 million is donated to the Poppy Fund throughout the year to help veterans, with much of that assistance coming in during the National Poppy Campaign. Funds go directly into initiatives to support Canada’s veterans and their families, and help promote remembrance.
Alberta‘s Legion branches will earmark a portion of Poppy Fund donations to support the military personnel who were killed or injured at the grass fire at CFB Wainwright October 17.
Local branches say there may be an especially large turnout for Remembrance Day services this year because of the fire. “This year will be a more special Remembrance Day because of the Wainwright fire,” said Harold Lefebvre of St. Paul Branch 100. Four soldiers were killed in the fire, and another 27 are being treated for injuries of varying severity.
“We’re all praying and hoping that they’ll be okay and they’ll be able to return a normal life before long,” Lefebvre said.
The start date for the Poppy Campaign will be October 24 from this year on, according to the Legion website. In prior years the campaign began a week later in October.
Veterans’ Week runs from November 5 to 11, and November 8 is Indigenous Veterans’ Day. Remembrance Day will be observed as always on November 11. Please see page 2 for times and locations of local ceremonies.
