Legion hopes the sense of normalcy returns to this year’s poppy campaign

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The Royal Canadian Legion expects its annual poppy drive to return to normal this year as there are fewer pandemic restrictions across the country.

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In the run-up to Remembrance Day, the organization says it will have more than 34,000 boxes of traditional poppies in locations across Canada, where people can donate cash and receive a poppy pin, about 9,000 more boxes than last year.

For the second year in a row, the organization will also have boxes that can accept payments from touch-enabled devices or cards. The Legion said it will have 1,000 of those electronic boxes this year, up from 250 last year.

Canadians can also donate to the campaign at mypoppy.ca, where they can create a digital poppy, add a custom commemoration, and share it on social media.

Nujma Bond, communications manager for the legion’s national headquarters, said there will likely be an increased number of people physically present with donation boxes this year, similar to pre-pandemic times, thanks to more flexible COVID-19 measures. .

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“Not only did we introduce more initiatives, but we also faced fewer … local health restrictions,” Bond said. “So it is allowing us to return to a semblance of normalcy in terms of the poppy campaign itself.”

Volunteers handing out poppies should still wear masks, stay away and get vaccinated against COVID-19, Bond noted.

The legion said it raises about $ 20 million from its poppy campaign each year, with the funds going directly to supporting veterans, their families and communities.

While the organization does not have final figures for the amount raised from last year’s poppy campaign, Bond said the legion felt there was an increase in support “both figuratively and literally” for veterans in 2020 despite restrictions. caused by the pandemic.

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He said he expects a similar show of support from Canadians this year.

“We found out last year, as I’m sure this year will, that there was a great show of remembrance and support across the country, despite the pandemic,” Bond said.

Veteran Mike Turner is among those organizing the poppy campaign efforts at the East Toronto branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Turner said that while there are fewer people handing out poppies from their branch this year compared to pre-pandemic times, they still have the same mission: to raise money to support veterans and veteran assistance programs.

“I have personally seen and given finances to veterans, and seeing the smile on their face when they need help and they are getting it, it is worth its weight in gold,” said the 51-year-old.

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This year’s poppy campaign coincides with the centennial of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance in Canada.

Bond said the Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating the anniversary with a series of initiatives. These include an online offering of commemorative poppy pins that replicate the original 1921 lapel pin, as well as 100 pieces of limited-edition digital art intended to preserve the memory of 118,000 fallen Canadian soldiers dating back to 1812.

Other organizations are also celebrating the centennial of the poppy.

Canada Post has released a stamp to immortalize the crimson flower and honor the thousands of Canadians who have died in service to their country, while the Royal Canadian Mint has released a commemorative poppy coin.

Numerous Canadian landmarks will be illuminated during the poppy season period and also on November 11.

“People will continue to have the ability to remember,” Bond said, “despite the pandemic that is still ongoing.”