The Royal Canadian Legion Orillia Branch 34 has kicked off its poppy campaign.
Local branch president Rick Purcell says the poppy campaign is as important as ever with several veterans living in our local community who benefit from the fundraiser.
“Any time a veteran needs anything — a wheelchair, dental, eyeglasses — we are there to help them,” he said. “Some of them run out of money at the end of the month and have a tough time with rent, that is something we can help them with.”
Purcell says there is no fundraising goal for this year’s campaign, noting the Legion is just aiming to put forth its best effort in raising as much money as possible.
“We’ve done very well in the last two years,” he said. “People have been very good to the Legion and poppy day.”
Purcell believes this year’s campaign will be a success with there being no COVID-19 restrictions in place. On Fridays and Saturdays leading up to Remembrance Day, volunteers will be at local LCBO stores and grocery stores around town.
“We’ve probably put out 50 or 60 boxes at various stores in Orillia,” Purcell says. “The post office, most of the banks, and some of the fast-food restaurants have them.”
Purcell says volunteers are needed for this year’s campaign. Those who would like to help should call the Legion at (705) 325-8442.
“It would be nice to have 20 to 30 volunteers on a daily basis,” he said. “I think it adds to the poppy campaign to have people at the stores.”
For more information about the poppy campaign, and to find a poppy box near you, click here.
