While donations certainly help local Legions carry on their advocacy and support, annual poppy campaigns also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices of our veterans.
Stratford Legion Branch 8 volunteers have been working hard behind the scenes getting ready for their annual poppy drive, which officially starts on Friday.
Poppy boxes will be distributed throughout the community and residents can donate some cash for a poppy and help support Legion programs and initiatives.
Steve Zurbrigg of the local Legion said the campaign raised $31,000 last year. Funds will again be donated on behalf of the Legion to Stratford General Hospital Foundation, Parkwood Institute for Veterans and Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth.
“Those donations support veterans and the community,” said Zurbrigg.
The poppy is worn in remembrance for all those who have served, particularly in the First World War, Second World War, the Korean War and in Afghanistan. Soldiers have also died on peacekeeping missions, as have police and other volunteers, Zurbrigg said.
“So it’s a remembrance of all who have served.”
The Huron Street Bridge and William Hutt Bridge on Waterloo Street will also have poppy nets again this year. Volunteers have weaved those together at the Legion.
Local businesses can get poppy boxes by phoning 519-271-4540 to get on the drop-off list.
