The Exeter Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign is underway, raising money to support veterans and their families ahead of Remembrance Day.
Legion President Barb Willard says the campaign runs until November 11th. Poppies are available at local businesses, with volunteers delivering donation boxes to stores across the area.
Donations also go toward education bursaries for veterans’ children and grandchildren, as well as a charitable foundation that provides urgent help to veterans in need.
Willard says the campaign is about remembering those who served and protecting the freedoms Canadians enjoy today.
She also reminds residents to wear their poppy on the left side of their chest, over their heart.
The Legion is also preparing for its annual Remembrance Day events. The community Remembrance Day parade will take place on Sunday, November 8th.
After the ceremony, the community is invited back to the Legion for snacks and refreshments.
Willard says the Sunday parade helps more people, including students, take part in remembering those who served.
Legion members also plan to visit five local schools on November 11 to take part in their Remembrance Day activities.
The parade will go ahead rain or shine.
The Legion will also host a catered Remembrance Day dinner on November 11th. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35 per person, while veterans can attend at no cost.
Willard also encourages people to contact the Legion if they need poppies for children. Stick-on poppies are available for those who would rather not use a pin, and small poppy centres are available at the branch for $2.
This will be Exeter’s first Remembrance Day ceremonies without longtime community member, veteran and Legion supporter Vera Armstrong, who passed away earlier this year.
Willard says it is important to remember not only veterans of past wars, but also those serving today and the sacrifices they make while away from their families.
