THUNDER BAY -- The death of a young soldier in Ottawa last week only reinforces the importance of the annual poppy campaign.
On Thursday the local Royal Canadian Legion branches raised a flag at city hall to launch this year’s poppy campaign.
The campaign, which raises money for local veteran organizations and causes, also raises awareness of the sacrifices made by Canadian military personnel throughout history.
“It’s significant because of mainly what’s happened in the last week or so, but also in the past for all our military and veterans and people working in the field, said poppy fund chairwoman Joan Cameron.
The tragic death of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was guarding the National War Memorial in Ottawa when he was shot, strengthens the need for initiatives like the poppy campaign, said Cameron.
“I know somebody who was at the Parliament buildings that day in security and he said anything is well worthwhile,” she said.
The money raised through poppy sales are used to support veterans and their families through various services including the family resource centres, housing and care facilities for elderly, disabled and homeless veterans as well as meal programs.
They also fund bursaries for students and donations for facilities like the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Cameron has chaired the local campaign for a few years now and says it feels great to see people wearing poppies in the days leading up to Remembrance Day.
“I look forward to it every year. It’s a big venture but it’s well worth the time,” she said.
