Royal Canadian Legion branches launch annual poppy campaign

Royal Canadian Legion branches in our region have joined the thousands across the country in launching their annual poppy campaign on Friday to honour and support veterans.

In Barrie, local veterans and dignitaries held their fourth annual launch ceremony at Barrie Legion 147 to kick off the most important time of year for supporting veterans.

“This campaign is more than a fundraiser, it’s a call to reflect, to educate, and to honour,” said John Brassard, Barrie South–Innisfil MP, in his remarks.

Between snippets of Remembrance Day proceedings and elected officials getting pinned for the first time this season, the poppy campaign was re-emphasized for its symbol of awareness and support.

“This is a very small token of what we can do to say thank you and to ensure those who offered the ultimate sacrifice are given the benefit of support and help in their home communities,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.

As a former Critic of Veterans Affairs, Brassard discussed the crucial needs that the campaign serves in his interview with CTV News.

“Far too often we’re hearing stories about veterans sleeping in their cars, homeless veterans, veterans who are suffering from PTSD, veterans who are suffering from occupational health injuries who aren’t getting the services that they need,” said Brassard.

Fern Taillefer, poppy chair of Barrie Legion 147, shared how those have benefitted from the funds raised.

“I’ve had people who needed first and last month’s rent,” recalled Taillefer. “I’ve had people who were able to move out of a car into an apartment. I did that three times with the money we had. Medical equipment, beds, wheel chairs, you name it.”

Taillefer reminds everyone that the average age of a Second World War veteran is 100 years old, like Barrie’s own Bill Snow, who served in the Canadian artillery, and recently turned 103.

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“They’re fewer and far between now,” added Taillefer. “This is our chance to keep helping them as well.”

The Barrie Legion’s poppy campaign raised close to $165,000 last year and helped 81 local veterans in need.

The goal this year is to raise $175,000.

Traditional poppy boxes will still be available in stores across the region and the Legion says it has doubled the number of ‘tap to donate’ boxes.