The Royal Canadian Legion Brighton Branch 100 kicked off its poppy campaign with President Michael French pinning a poppy on Mayor Brian Ostrander.
When you donate to the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual poppy campaign, Brighton Legion poppy chair Pam Little says you’re helping to make a real difference for veterans and their families.
The poppy is a widely-known symbol of remembrance – adopted by the legion back in 1921 to commemorate the service and sacrifices of fallen soldiers and was inspired by the famous “In Flanders Fields” poem by Lt.-Col. John McCrae.
Leading up to and on Remembrance Day, Canadians are encouraged to wear poppies as a visual pledge to honour veterans and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms Canadians enjoy today, explains Little.
So it’s not just the servicemen and women but the families – and this is also a chance to reflect on current armed forces and the sacrifices in their families they’re making today, continues Little.
And while the campaign wraps on Remembrance Day, fundraising impacts across Northumberland and the nation have long-lasting impacts, notes Little.
“The generous donations from our community go to help veterans through programs (like) Operation Service Dog,” explains Little.
And that’s not all.
In other words, this isn’t just a show of support – it’s help for veterans if they need it to get back on their feet, explains Little, adding there are several other areas and programs the campaign supports.
Sunnybrook Hospital officially opened as a war veteran’s hospital in 1948 and continues to work in close partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada to offer long-term and complex care for hundreds of veterans.
Meanwhile, help through the generations is also something the legion prioritizes, adds Little.
If you haven’t got a poppy, there’s still time. Poppies are given out freely, but legions and volunteers ask for donations as people are able.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
