The Royal Canadian Legion Orillia Branch 34 is set to kick off the poppy campaign on Friday.
Local branch president Rick Purcell says all of the money raised through the campaign will be used to support veterans and it cannot be used for the operations of the Legion.
"A lot of World War veterans are on fairly low pensions," Purcell said. "If they need something like a hearing aid or dental work, it can be over a thousand dollars."
In Orillia, there are approximately 50 to 60 military veterans. The poppy campaign helps them pay their mortgage payments, rent, or other important bills, said Purcell.
"When we talk to our veterans, especially the ones who need help, they express that they are extremely grateful for the poppy campaign," Purcell said. "Without the campaign, they could be in some trouble."
In recent years, the poppy campaign has done "really well," Purcell says.
"The people in Orillia are really good with supporting the poppy campaign," he said. "We usually raise more money than what is needed for veterans in Orillia."
If there is money left over from the poppy campaign, the Legion will donate funds to help veterans on a provincial basis.
With at least 50 poppy boxes being placed at various retail stores and restaurants around town, Purcell is confident that it will be another successful year for the poppy campaign.
"People understand that times are tough right now," he said. "The citizens of Orillia have always been very supportive of the Legion and our veterans."
The Legion is in need of volunteers for the poppy campaign this year, especially during the weekend of Nov. 3 and 4.
"We are short of people who are going into stores to sell poppies for us," Purcell explained. "If you could go out for an hour with a poppy box in front of a store, it would be greatly appreciated."
If you would like to volunteer, Purcell encourages you to call the Legion at 705-325-8442.
For more information about the poppy campaign, and to find a poppy box near you, click here.
