The poppies are blooming in Chatham-Kent.
Flag raising ceremonies were held in Chatham and Wallaceburg on Friday morning to mark the start of the annual Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign.
Every year, from the last Friday of October until November 11, tens of millions of Canadians wear a Poppy as a visual pledge to honour Canada’s Veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today.
“There’s been a lot of veterans that have passed away since last year, and we really appreciate the community stepping up and helping us in regards to the Poppy Campaign,” said Doug Mackenzie, A3 Zone commander in Chatham-Kent. “It’s all for the gentlemen that have passed away on the cenotaphs, that’s who we’re doing this for.”
Donation boxes will be placed in businesses across the municipality. Close to $20 million is donated during the National Poppy Campaign each year. These funds go directly into the Legion’s work to assist Canada’s Veterans and their families and help foster Remembrance of our fallen.
Electronic payment “Pay Tribute” tap-enabled boxes facilitated by RBC, will provide more convenience to donate in 2300 locations nation-wide.
The Legion is offering biodegradable Poppies and wreaths. Poppy Centre pins are available alongside other Remembrance items at www.poppystore.ca
