Murray Wood: Of Easter bunny bells and Juicy Fruit gum
For Murray Wood, Easter brings to mind grandma's practical advice about repurposing, and some of life's little lessons.
Under normal circumstances, the public would be met by cadets selling poppies prior to Remembrance Day.
Ron Hitchcock, the president of the Regina branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, says the youths typically raise between $15,000 and $20,000 on the first day poppies are made available.
But due to COVID-19, Hitchcock says the cadets will not be making their usual sales this year.
In fact, the pandemic is disrupting more than just poppy sales for the Legion this fall.
“(Cadets) are the main driving force behind the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph and again, because of COVID, they’re not allowed to participate,” Hitchcock said Wednesday.
“We’re currently waiting for rules from the Dominion Command of the Legion and from the Brandt Centre and from the city to see if we can have any kind of Remembrance Day service.”
Speaking to the Greg Morgan Morning Show, Hitchcock said the Legion also may turn online for its fundraiser and Remembrance Day ceremony.
Hitchcock says the Legion has reopened its bar and also is opening its restaurant for lunches in September, having brought in a local chef who will be cooking Italian cuisine.
As well, he says a local auto dealer has donated a Jeep for the Legion to raffle off. Hitchcock said the Legion is selling 2,000 tickets for $100 each and will put the proceeds into its operating account.
The Royal Canadian Legion has been facing financial issues due to the pandemic, prompting changes to its operations.
