WESTLOCK — The Westlock Legion kicked off its annual poppy campaign Oct. 28, a program that raises thousands of dollars to help support local veterans and their families.
Town of Westlock mayor Ralph Leriger and Westlock County reeve Christine Wiese were on hand, along with legion volunteers at the campaign kick-off, with Westlock Legion president Marjorie Steele saying it’s always well supported among residents and businesses.
“This community is very good in what they do for the legion and assisting the veterans. We are just the caretakers of the money, it’s kept in trust for when we get a request from a veteran or an organization like long-term care,” said Steele.
“We also give money to the cadets because they work really hard throughout the year, and they help with the poppy campaign as well.”
Across Canada close to $20 million is donated annually to the poppy campaign, which goes into initiatives to support Canada’s veterans and their families. In Westlock, the campaign raised $14,785.52 in 2021.
Steele said several volunteers, including cadets will be out at various locations around town over the next couple of weeks including Sobeys, Giant Tiger and Your Independent, taking donations and handing out poppies.
“We have 20 cadets volunteering with the campaign this year,” said Steele.
This year, the Legion will be offering new, biodegradable poppies and wreaths. They are crafted from a variety of natural materials including paper, cotton velvet, plaster, moss, and bamboo. Eventually all poppies and wreaths will be biodegradable. Only pins and bows will be non-biodegradable for a time while other considerations are worked on.
The digital poppy will remain part of the overall campaign. People can donate by visiting www.mypoppy.ca to receive a 2022 digital poppy. Funds raised go directly to the Legion National Foundation, a separate entity from the Legion but whose work also helps veterans, families, and communities.
