Legions expect fewer poppy donations because of the pandemic

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is once again creating challenges for the poppy campaign.

Businesses everywhere have installed plastic barriers to help protect workers and customers, but it’s created a real estate problem for the poppy boxes.

“Some businesses are still tucking them in behind the plexiglass, but that makes it difficult both for the business and someone trying to get a poppy,” said Tammy Wheeler, executive director of the Legion’s Alberta-NWT Command.

“Seniors do a lot of the travelling around picking up boxes, putting them out and making sure there are poppies in them. Of course, we want to make sure they are well taken care of and don’t get ill.”

Wheeler had hoped the pandemic would be behind us, especially since the poppy campaign this year is more special than others.

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“It’s the 100th anniversary of the poppy, and we were hoping to be in a better position, and COVID would be a piece of history, but unfortunately, we’re not there,” she said.

The poppy campaign has adjusted in recent years to allow for digital donations. People can donate online to the National Poppy Trust Fund or by texting POPPY4YYC to 20222.

Even with restrictions preventing people from joining Remembrance Day ceremonies, Wheeler is encouraging people to make sure they take that two minutes to remember.

“We have a lot to be grateful for, and we have a lot of veterans that we need to remember. They have put their lives in the line for us, and we need to make sure we respect that and say thank you,” she said.

The money collected from the poppy campaign helps veterans with clothing, food, shelter and medical needs.