The Remembrance Day Poppy campaign officially kicks off today in Bradford and across the region.
In July 1921, the Great War Veterans Association (which in 1925 would unify with other groups to form the Canadian Legion) adopted the Poppy as the flower of Remembrance, as proposed by France's Madame Anna Guérin. Every year, we don the poppy to honour, recognize and remember those who have fought for our freedoms.
Earlier this week, Mayor Rob Keffer accepted the first Poppy from Bradford Legion President Tammy Paglia and Poppy Campaign Chair Anne Silvey at the Bradford Legion at 115 Back St.
Volunteers will be canvassing at local businesses over the next few weeks, which Silvey is excited about.
Last year, due to COVID-19, the Legion was unable to canvass, which put a damper on their fundraising.
New this year are the touchless payment tap-boxes, making it easier for customers to make a donation.
"A lot of people in the stores don't have cash anymore," noted Silvey. "So they can now tap and the donations are $2, $5, or $10."
It’s the 100th Anniversary of the Remembrance Day Poppy, and the Royal Canadian Legion has designed a new, special Poppy pin to commemorate the occasion for $10.
Also new this year are suction cup Poppies that adhere to your windows. They are being sold for $5 each.
All items can be purchased at the Bradford Legion or at the online RCL Poppy store here.
The Bradford Remembrance Day parade will commence at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7 in front of the Bradford Peavey Mart.
The route will head down Holland Street and end up at the Legion where a ceremony will be held at 1 p.m.
Due to gathering restrictions and capacity limits inside the hall, this year the Auxilliary ladies will be handing out pre-made bags of food to disperse to guests outside the Legion. The bar will be open inside the Legion.
At 11 a.m. this morning, Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard will be hosting a Poppy campaign launch at the RCL Branch 147 in Barrie with area mayors, MPs, veterans, and the county warden. Watch it live on Facebook here.
