Royal Canadian Legion prepares for annual poppy campaign

The Royal Canadian Legion is gearing up for its annual poppy campaign in Regina this week, as Remembrance Day approaches.

Reid Hill, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 001, said Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre will give out the first poppy in the province on Wednesday morning at Government House.

The poppy campaign will officially kick off Friday.

This year marks the 80^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

People who want to honour veterans can purchase a poppy from the legion office or any of the donation stations that will be popping up around Saskatchewan.

Donations can be made with cash, with some stations also accepting credit or debit cards. The debit and credit card options became available around the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve seen donation numbers go up in that regard,” Hill said.

Donations can also be made at local legion branches. For donations of $20 or more, tax receipts are available.

The legion also sells buttons to help secure poppies and keep them from falling off, and also offers broaches to those who may want a larger poppy.

Anyone who wishes to lay a wreath, or to have someone do it on their behalf, can contact the legion or poppy chair Darwin Dobson to relay the message they want displayed on the wreath. People can pick up the wreaths between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from Monday to Friday for free, or have it delivered to them for a $10 charge.

Part of the funds raised will be used to help veterans access support and benefits, according to the legion.

More information on the campaign can be found on the legion’s website.