An official colour parade through the halls of Chinook Centre on Saturday morning announced the arrival of the 2016 edition of the Poppy Fund campaign.
“We’re here to show and pay our respects to our fallen and to honour our veterans and their spouses and their dependents,” said Joey Bleviss, chief administrative officer of the Poppy Fund and Veterans Food Bank.
Symbolic poppies are now available by donation at locations throughout southern Alberta. The collected funds help veterans and family members of fallen soldiers through the Veterans Food Bank and financial assistance for rent and medical requirements.
“A lot of our citizens that we are dealing with today, their pensions don’t increase,” explained Bleviss. “This is one way of us helping to support them.”
Bleviss adds the kickoff brings awareness to the period of remembrance culminating in the events of Remembrance Day.
