What's Happening in Calgary, AB…

November 1st marked the start of the two weeks when Canadians wear poppies to honour veterans, both past and present. The Calgary branches of the Royal Canadian Legion got their poppy campaign underway with a ceremony held at the Colonel Belcher Care Center.

Poppy sales represent a major fundraising initiative for the Legion, and it’s hoped that this year, they will raise $2.2 million for the Poppy Fund – an increase of $200,000 over last year. Many veterans are on a fixed income, and as the cost of living rises in Calgary, so does the number of them who need assistance.

The funds raised will be used to help provide vets with financial assistance as well as in-home services for any that need them. The veteran’s food bank is another source of support that depends upon this funding. All the money raised will stay in the Calgary area.

The guest speakers who were on hand noted that the poppies represent support not just for veterans for the past, but also for those who have served in more recent times.

A campaign like this provides an opportunity to not only raise money, but also awareness. Poster printing companies can create promotional materials that can be displayed where the poppies are sold, to help make people more aware of the sacrifice veterans have made.