November 1 once again marks the start of Canada’s Poppy Campaign. Every year, people across the country wear poppies in recognition of those who fought and died for our country. The red flower was inspired by the poem ‘In Flanders Fields,’ penned by Lt.-Col. John McCrae, who was born and raised in Guelph, Ont. He was among the first Canadians to sign up for battle after Britain declared war on Germany and served as a doctor on the front lines. The Poppy Campaign began in 1921 after the symbol was adopted by The Royal Canadian Legion. Poppies are now distributed across the country for free, alongside an option to donate to the Legion’s poppy fund. The money is used to help veterans from both the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as their families, with food, heating costs, clothing, prescription medication, medical appliances and equipment, essential home repairs and emergency shelter. In Waterloo Region and Guelph, residents can pick up their poppy at any K-W Legion branch: Last year, the K-W Poppy Campaign raised enough money to give $126,000 to veterans in need. Poppies are also available on Amazon with a $2, $5, $10 or $20 donation. The need for volunteers This year, Legions across the country are renewing the call for volunteers to keep the poppy campaign running. “Myself, I’m 80 and I can’t do it like I used to,” Stan Howie, chair of the K-W Poppy Fund told CTV News on Friday. “Everybody’s getting older, right? We’re not getting the younger generation to get involved in this.” He said this year’s poppy campaign comes at a time when local men and women are getting called to serve their country. “More and more, Canada’s commitments abroad will rely on the access to reserves. So soldiers and their willingness to serve. Right now, serving members in the Combat Engineering Regiment from the Waterloo Squadron are serving in Latvia.” How to wear a poppy Poppies are always worn on the left side, over the heart. The flower also should not be obstructed in any way, including by any pins. “We encourage anyone who finds a poppy that has fallen to the ground to pick it up, brush it off, wear it, or dispose of it with respect,” the Royal Canadian Legion suggested on its website.
