Vermilion Legion goes ahead with poppy campaign

Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 11 in Vermilion has had to make several changes to their poppy and wreath program leading up to Remembrance Day.

Starting Monday, October 26, poppies will be limited to only a few locations this year, and wreaths can be purchased at the Legion by calling 780-853-5867 to arrange for pick up.

Individual branches will manage their own activities in regards to the poppy campaign.

“Please, let’s all do our part to honour our fallen comrades in this time of uncertainty,” said Poppy Chairman, Marcel Lefebvre.

The Poppy Fund doesn’t distribute funds into the Legion, but directly supports veterans, as well as seniors, the hospital or anyone that needs their assistance. This spring, the Poppy Campaign spent approximately $4,000 purchasing six lifts for Long Term Care and six wheelchairs for the Vermilion Health Centre.

Another community support project for approximately $5,000 was made installing a First Alert system at Vermilion Elementary School. Lefebvre said they were pleased to be able support both the seniors and youth in the community.

The Vermilion Legion serves a large rural area looking after Innisfree, Ranfurly, Mannville, Clandonald, Islay and up to Highway 897. Additional donations can be made at the Legion or online at www.poppybox@abnwt.com.

Lefebvre said that all online donations are based on postal code, meaning any donations made in this area will stay in this area.

“We know we’re not going to get the donations we normally get,” said Lefebvre.

“We’re going to do the best we can and hope that the community gets on board.”

He said they must follow Alberta Health Services guidelines, and although things will look a little different, they are definitely going to have a Remembrance Day Ceremony.