Legion’s 2021 National Poppy Campaign set to launch
Unique new features will be part of the Royal Canadian Legion’s 2021 National Poppy Campaign which officially begins on Friday, October 29th. New features are being implemented in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Poppy symbol this year, and to increase the creative and convenient ways in which donors can support the yearly campaign.
“We are pleased to expand our Poppy campaign this year and happy to once again work alongside some great partners to make it all happen,” says Dominion President Bruce Julian. “Because of these collective efforts, Canadians will be able to donate in new and engaging ways to support our Veterans - even in the midst of the pandemic.”
Traditional Poppy boxes will still be used for cash donations and lapel poppy distribution. As part of an ongoing pilot project launched in 2020, the Legion’s “Pay Tribute” tap and pay boxes will be featured once again. The digital boxes will offer new donation amount options and traditional poppies. The number of locations across the country will increase to 1000. More details will follow upon the official campaign launch.
Donors will also be able to donate directly through the Legion’s national website. Close to 20 million dollars is donated during the National Poppy Campaign each year and goes directly into initiatives to support Canada’s Veterans.
New Legion Yard Signs
The Legion has launched a respectful new way to help donors show their support. Attractive new yard signs are available to show caring for Canada’s Veterans during the Remembrance period and beyond. The recyclable signs are now available through poppystore.ca. Some Branches across the country are also selling them locally.
National proceeds go into general revenue to support the work of the Legion in helping Veterans. Proceeds from local sales go directly to Branches. To date, over 7,000 signs have been sold.
National Ceremony, Wreaths, Ceremony Locator
On November 11, the Legion will offer a Facebook Live presentation of the National Remembrance Day Ceremony. It is anticipated that national broadcasters will cover the ceremony as in the past.
For the second year in a row, spectators will be discouraged from attending in person due to pandemic limitations. Those participating directly in the ceremony will be required to remain 2 m apart and will need to wear masks unless performing certain duties. Other anticipated changes to the national ceremony this year will be released in the coming weeks and will be updated at Legion.ca.
People will still be able to take part in the National Ceremony in a symbolic way by purchasing a memorial wreath that will be pre-positioned at the National War Memorial in Ottawa before the event. More details will be available at Legion.ca starting October 1.
The Legion is introducing a Ceremony Locator at Legion.ca this year. Branches will populate this page to allow Canadians to find a Legion-supported Remembrance ceremony closest to them. The Legion also recommends that people check with local Legion Branches to verify restrictions related to gatherings during the pandemic.