Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy campaign underway
Poppy campaign tables appeared at numerous locations around the city on Friday, raising awareness of the sacrifices of those who served, continue to serve and in many cases died fighting for the country.
Allan and Gerri Renz have been volunteering with the poppy campaign for five or six years. Gerri’s father served in the Second World War and Allan’s dad served in the armed forces. They are particularly aware of veterans and the importance of Remembrance Day.
The Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy campaign is one of the biggest fundraising initiatives to support veterans and their families, to promote remembrance and to act in the service of Canada and its communities, said Sheila Donner, chair of the local campaign and president of the Royal Canadian Legion, Robertson Memorial Branch No. 17.
A veteran is anyone who has served in the Canadian or Allied forces in a war or reserve capacity or is presently serving in the Canadian Armed forces. It also can apply to those who have served in areas of conflict who are members of the RCMP or police force, said Donner.
The poppies are not sold. The Legion collects donations and people receive a poppy.
Allan and Gerri say they are amazed how many young people today are aware of the significance of the poppy and donate generously.
The poppies are all made by a company in Ontario, and traditionally veterans have participated in the process, said Donner. The Legion, which holds the patent on the poppy, purchases them at a cost of $115 for 1,000 poppies.
Originally the poppy had a black centre, but in 1980 the decision was made to change the centre to green. In 2002 it was decided to return to black centres to more accurately reflect the poppies in Flanders.
In Medicine Hat on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. at the Esplanade there is a concert by Medicine Hat Concert Band Society acknowledging the centenary of the Armistice: “We Will Remember Them”. Admission is free.