CHAT News File Photo

By Prina Atwal

Medicine Hat Legion launches Poppy Campaign

Oct 28, 2022 | 3:37 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat branch of the Royal Canadian Legion launched its Poppy Campaign today.

“The Poppy Campaign is an annual campaign right across Canada, and it helps us to celebrate and honour our veterans by remembering over a time period,” says Sheila Donner, president of Medicine Hat Legion. “Who would have thought that the little red flower that grows on Flanders Field would become the symbol for remembrance.”

Traditionally, poppies are worn on the left side, from the last Friday of October to the end of the day on Nov. 11.

This year, some poppies will be made from biodegradable material.

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In Medicine Hat, poppies will be available by donation at the mall near the food court, Canadian Tire, Walmart, 13th Avenue Co-op and other locations.

“All of the funds are held in public trust, for veterans, or their families, who are in need. We do not use it around the Legion for general expenses. We in fact have a poppy manual that directs us how to use that money, it’s very strict, and we must adhere to the criteria within the poppy manual,” says Donner.

She adds that residents of Medicine Hat have been very generous with their donations in the past.

Further, Donner says that volunteer positions for the campaign are filling up fast, so those interested are encouraged to visit the Legion Robertson Memorial Branch No.17 to sign up.

And for the first time in two years, an event without restrictions will be occurring in Medicine Hat for Remembrance Day. For more details on that and more visit the Legion Robertson Memorial Branch No.17 Facebook page.