The local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 41 kicked off their annual poppy campaign on Thursday (October 24) with a “Pin the Poppy on the Mayor” ceremony. The ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Garden in St. Thomas involved a marching in of the colours, laying of a wreath and the first poppy of the year being pinned on Mayor Joe Preston.
The poppies will be distributed to close to 80 locations in the City beginning on Friday.
Mayor Joe Preston says that he hopes that during this year’s campaign residents are telling stories of the past to the younger generations.
Poppy Chairman Wayne Donnelly says that they hope that the poppy brings about a thought of remembrance.
Donnelly says that each year the campaign has raised roughly $20,000 goes to assist local veterans and Parkwood Hospital in London. Funds also go to support student bursaries for veterans family members.
