Do you have your poppy yet? The Royal Canadian Legion’s national campaign is underway to remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. “The campaign goes until Nov. 11 and it’s a chance for Canadians to donate to receive a poppy and then show their gratitude for Canada’s veterans and those who have fallen in the line of service for Canada,” says Legion national spokesperson Nujma Bond. Donation poppy boxes can be found at malls, grocery stores and businesses, but the legion is continuing to also modernize its campaign. With more people not carrying cash, the Legion is turning to tech for donations. The Legion says there are 2,000 “Pay Tribute” tap-enabled poppy boxes across Canada. There’s also Amazon Canada storefront that allows you to donate online ($5, $10, $20) to receive poppies at your door. New this year, participating Legion branches and volunteers have an app on their phone for contactless donations, according to Bond. “Legion volunteers from participating branches can use smartphones to collect contactless donations where you can tap with a debit card, credit card or digital wallet via “tap-on-phone.” “It could be talking to people at an event and having the opportunity to donate that way.” Every year, Gerald Adamson puts on a poppy. “You’ve got to remember the people who served,” he said. Adamson gave a cash donation while picking up a few at the St. Laurent Shopping Centre. “I had a son who served in the army. My father served in the Navy. So, it’s something that I think is important to do,” he said. The Legion says close to 20 million poppies are distributed each year as part of its campaign, Additionally, people can give online at Legion.ca.
