The first poppies of the 2023 campaign were presented to the mayors of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows this week ahead of the official launch of the campaign on Friday, Oct. 27.
City of Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy was the first to get his from Branch 88 president Judy Ballard on Wednesday, Oct. 25, and City of Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald received hers on Thursday, Oct. 26.
The poppy is Canada’s symbol of remembrance for fallen military and RCMP veterans.
This year both poppies and wreaths will be made out of biodegradable materials like pressed cardboard.
The campaign is the biggest fundraiser for the Legion, explained Sherry Boudreau, poppy campaign chairperson for Branch 88, and donations stay within the community they are collected in, supporting all of the local veterans and first responders.
“It is a very crucial part of what we do as a Legion,” she said of the campaign.
Last year’s campaign brought in more than $84,000 in donations.
Branch 88 made donations to the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, PAWS – an organization that provides support dogs to veterans and first responders, and the George Derby Centre – a 300 bed intermediate care facility for former veterans of the armed forces vetted by Veterans Affairs Canada – for a bus, amongst others.
READ MORE: Volunteers needed for poppy campaign in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
The first poppy of the 2023 national campaign was presented to Governor General Mary Simon on Friday, Oct. 20, presented by legion dominion president, Bruce Julian, who pinned the poppy during the ceremonial event at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
“Each year, we are honoured by our Governor General’s gracious support in wearing the first poppy,” said Julian.
“Her acceptance reflects this symbol’s importance in Canada, as a means of visually recognizing and thanking our fallen veterans,” he continued.
To support the campaign, online, go to poppystore.ca.
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Starting Friday, taggers will be out at busy locations across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, and boxes will be set up at stores for donations where cash and cheques will be accepted.
Credit or bank cards can be used at Branch 88 at 12101 224 Street in Maple Ridge, where you can also sign up for a two hour tagging shift.
For more information about the local poppy campaign call 604-463-5101.