2020 Poppy Campaign
Thank You
As I watched the Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa. A WW2 veteran was asked about his memories of the war and he simply said “We had a job to do and we did it.” For me that sums up the 2020 Poppy campaign for Kingsway Legion, in order for us to honour our veterans, we had a job to do and we did it. Due to the pandemic, we had to cancel Tag and the Ladies Auxiliary days. Some businesses chose not to participate, but many others welcomed us with open arms. On several occasions I was thanked by someone for carrying on the tradition of making poppies available to the public.
Due to our Wonderful Volunteers we were able to provide over 300 Business with poppy kits to promote the campaign. Many of our volunteers also donated their time representing our branch by sitting at a table in Northgate mall or Londonderry Mall accepting donations. It truly is impressive watching the public react with a veteran who is sitting at a table wearing their medals. We also provided 70 schools with poppy kits and information on how they can learn more about Remembrance Day. Its critical that young people learn about the sacrifices made by our veterans and why we celebrate Remembrance Day.
One of my favorite memories during the campaign was watching five young High School students stop by the Northgate Mall table to pay their respects to the veteran who was sitting there and make a donation.
Each and every volunteer hour is greatly appreciated, the work parties to put kits together, packaging poppies for distribution, stepping in last minute when called upon. As well as all the other tasks that made the 2020 Poppy Campaign a success in these trying times.
Our first year of having a Poppy Office in the Kingsway branch was very successful. We received in excess of 100 calls, we estimate 20,000 Poppies were requested this way. The Poppy office also processed donations received through mail, phone and in person.
After seven years of being the Poppy Chairman at Kingsway Legion Bill O’Brien has decided this will be his last campaign at the helm. His contribution to the Poppy campaign has helped many veterans and I would like to personally thank him for his dedication. He has been a wonderful mentor to me and I will miss his guidance going forward.
Thank You Volunteers for making the 2020 Poppy Fund Campaign a success.
Bill O’Brien (780) 222-6111 or Geoff Biddiscombe (780) 819-1247
