Poppy Campaign begins in honour of 100th anniversary of Armistice Day
LEGION LOOKING TO RAISE $90,000 THROUGH THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN
Young volunteers have launched the annual Poppy Campaign, as Canadians mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.
Nov. 11, 1918 was when the First World War ended, and Canadians continue to join members of the Royal Canadian Legion in remembering that war — with all its deaths and injuries.
In Lethbridge, the General Stewart Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has placed more than 425 poppy donation boxes in businesses across the region. Last Saturday, members of youth groups took to the streets to encourage public participation.
“Each year these dedicated youth volunteer their time to ensure a successful start to the campaign, and to remind all of us of the importance of remembrance,” says Pat McIntosh, who chairs the poppy campaign.
Members of local Scouts Canada, Girl Guides and 4H groups and cadet corps were on site in local stores, shopping malls and other public locations.
McIntosh says the Legion’s familiar blue boxes are being displayed at a number of sites in Coaldale, Raymond, Magrath and Stirling as well as throughout the city. This year, she adds, changes have been made to boxes in high-volume locations to reduce the danger of theft — a
problem in Lethbridge last year.
Lethbridge-area residents donated more than $94,000 to the campaign last year, McIntosh says. This year’s goal is $90,000.
Funds raised through the annual poppy sales allow Royal Canadian Legion branches across the nation to help veterans in need, and their dependents.
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