Legions see fewer donations to poppy campaign due to pandemic
Royal Canadian Legions are expecting fewer donations to its poppy campaign this year, and the pandemic is partly to blame.
“We were hoping that (COVID-19) would be kind to us and we would be able to go out and do some more campaigning but unfortunately no,” said Tammy Wheeler, executive director of the Legion’s Alberta-NWT Command.
“We’ve got a lot of seniors that do most of our volunteering, especially throughout the day, so they’re a little concerned about going out, and rightly so."
While no official donation numbers have been collected by the Legion, it says based on fewer poppy boxes being out, funds will likely be less.
“Getting poppy boxes into places where Plexiglass is sitting, you can’t really put a box there,” said Wheeler.
The campaign has adapted over the years to allow for digital donations. Some poppy boxes will have a tap-to-donate option where people can pay by card. Those who want to donate can also do so online or by texting POPPY4YYC to 20222.
“I want to remind people to remember, when veterans see the poppy on somebody’s jacket, it gives them hope and it gives them a feeling that they are appreciated for their sacrifices, as well as those who sacrificed their lives for us," said Wheeler.
Donations from the poppy campaign help veterans access food, clothing, shelter and other supports.
The poppy is marking 100 years as a symbol of remembrance in Canada, being adopted after the First World War on July 6, 1921.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police
The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.