Yesterday, the Right Honourable Judith Guichon Lt. Governor of British Columbia received the first poppy for the ceremonial opening of the 2017 Poppy Campaign.
The first poppy pinning starts the annual fundraising campaign with veterans, cadets and volunteers distributing the pins outside storefronts and at shopping centres starting on Friday.
From October 27 to November 11, thousands of Legion members from coast to coast will once again volunteer their time to distribute poppies and raise money for Veterans and their families.
“Every year, the Legion conducts the Poppy Campaign to honour those who serve, and to raise funds in support of Veterans and their families. From the last Friday in October to Remembrance Day, all Canadians can be a part of the campaign. Wear a poppy, attend a ceremony, and show your recognition for those who gave their lives for our freedom,” reads a message from the Royal Canadian Legion.
Funds raised in the annual Poppy Campaign support veterans, their families and dependants, and seniors, as well as education and Remembrance programs.
Virtual Poppy Drop
Once again, every night from October 27–November 11, between 6:30pm and 9:30pm, a virtual Poppy Drop of 117,000 Poppies – one for each of Canada’s fallen, will be also be projected on to Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Can’t witness the first poppy drop in person? Tune in to Facebook Live on the Royal Canadian Legion Facebook Page at 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST.
The Poppy has been a symbol of honour and ultimate sacrifice, inspired by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s 1915 poem In Flanders Fields.
