Sam Odrowski
With the annual poppy campaign having kicked off Friday, residents are reminded to watch out for Legion members at local businesses and schools to make a donation and get one.
The campaign wraps up on Nov. 11 and the money that’s raised is spent locally, such as on looking after the Legion’s veterans and supporting local facilities like Rainycrest and La Verendyre Hospital.
“We don’t send any money anywhere,” said poppy committee member Wendy Derendorf.
“It all stays here and is all spent locally, which I think is really important for people to know,” she added.
Ideally, the Legion hopes to raise $10,000 or more, like it has in the past, through poppy donations.
“If we make $10,000, we are very happy and if we make more, we’re even happier,” Derendorf smiled.
“Just keep your eye out and make a donation,” she added.
“There’s no cost for them [the poppies]. It is whatever people choose to donate.”
People are very supportive at this time of year and it really helps make a positive impact on the community, Derendorf noted.
All of the money raised is accounted for and sent to provincial command to receive authorization for every penny the Legion spends.
Derendorf encourages everyone to buy a poppy and also attend the annual Remembrance Day ceremony, which will take place at the local cenotaph on Sunday, Nov. 11 starting at 10:56 a.m.
