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100th Anniversary of the National Poppy Fund, lots new for 2021

October 14, 2021   ·   0 Comments

Legion branches throughout New Tecumseth will be celebrating Remembrance Day in 2021 with the launch of the annual Poppy Campaign.

The initiative, a fundraiser for veterans, their families and the community as a whole, will run from the last Friday in October (Oct. 29) until November 11.

New features are being implemented in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the poppy symbol this year to increase the creative and convenient ways in which donors can support the yearly campaign.

For 2021, the Legion has increased ways people can contribute to the Annual Poppy Fund, including a direct donation through the Legion’s national website. Each year, close to 20 million dollars is donated during the National Poppy Campaign and goes directly into initiatives to support Canada’s Veterans.

“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,” said 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 1,000.

In New Tecumseth, funds raised through the Poppy Campaign are used towards several ongoing programs, including a bursary program for the children and grandchildren of local Veterans to help offset the cost of post-secondary tuition fees. Applications are available through the Ontario Command or local branches.

Additionally, funds are used to help homeless Veterans in need of assistance. The program, called “Leave the Streets Behind” has existed for the past 10 years and has helped 970 Veterans in 182 communities, including 102 females. Through this initiative homeless veterans have found permanent housing solutions.

Legion branches also staff a Veterans Services Officer at each branch to assist Veterans in obtaining services from Veterans Affairs Canada. Assistance to help fill in forms, or to discover what assistance is available.

Additionally, local Legions have a Hospital Trust, assisting Veterans and their spouses with emergency assistance, dental care, wheelchairs, walkers and even scooters depending on their needs.

Service Dogs are also paired to Veterans with help from the Legion, assisting with those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stay calm until time passes. The cost to breed and train a Service Dog is roughly $35,000.

“These are some of the many services available to Veterans, their families and the community through the generous donations received during the Poppy Campaign,” said Gary Brown, Tottenham Legion president. “We at your local Legion thank you for your support!”

The Immortal Poppy is new this year in recognition of the Poppy’s 100th anniversary.

In all, one hundred pieces of digital Poppy artwork will be created and auctioned off to the highest bidders. Funds raised through the initial art offerings will go directly to the National Poppy Trust Fund.

“Technological advancements offer new opportunities, and we’re excited to provide multiple options to make it easy for people to support the campaign,” said Julian.

The 2021 Digital Poppy will remain part of the overall campaign.

By visiting www.mypoppy.ca, people will be able to donate to receive a digital poppy that can then be shared with friends and family through social media. Funds raised through the Digital Poppy will go directly to the Legion National Foundation, a separate entity from the Legion but whose work also helps Veterans, families and communities in a multitude of ways.

The Legion has launched a respectful new way to help donors show their support.

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. To date, over 7,000 signs have been sold.

On November 11, the Legion will offer a Facebook Live presentation of the National Remembrance Day ceremony.

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 metres apart and will need to wear masks unless performing certain duties. 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.

Details on local Remembrance Day ceremonies in Tottenham, Alliston and Beeton have yet to be announced. Look to The Times for further updates as they become available.

By Wendy Gabrek

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