Royal Canadian Legion kicks off Poppy Campaign

The Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign launched Friday ahead of Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

Poppies are worn as a visual pledge to honour the country’s veterans and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The campaign is a local initiative run by branches in cities and towns across Canada.

Donations collected during the campaign directly support veterans and their families within the community.

Several national businesses are supporting the Legion’s Poppy Campaign and are offering poppies at their locations until Nov. 11.

The Legion says participating businesses include Bank of Montreal, Bulk Barn, Costco, Goodlife, Home Depot, Hudson’s Bay, London Drugs, Tim Hortons, Walmart, and many more.

Cash and donations are accepted at all poppy boxes. More than 1,000 boxes country-wide will have the ability to take donations via touchless RBC Pay Tribute boxes, which allow donations to be made with a credit or debit card, or through a digital wallet on a mobile or wearable device.

An initiative known as Poppy Stories, will also be available to Canadians this year. Scanning a lapel poppy with a smartphone will introduce the user to a fallen soldier and their story, including how they grew up, their family history, pre-war careers, and some of their passions.

For more information on the Poppy Campaign, or to find your local branch, visit the Legion’s website.