Submitted by Ken Carlow
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 President
Canadians are fiercely proud of our Veterans and during the period leading up to Remembrance Day, millions of Canadians wear a poppy as a symbol of national pride and respect. It is a visual pledge to never forget the more than 117,000 Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
The Legion is entrusted to uphold and maintain this symbol by the People of Canada.
Last year, more than 18 million Canadians wore a poppy to honour, thank and remember Canadas fallen Veterans and those who served and continue to serve today.
While poppies are distributed freely for all Canadians, the Legion truly appreciates the generous donations to the Poppy Campaign.
Contributions from the Poppy Campaign are placed in trust and used for the care and financial assistance for Veterans and their dependents who are in need. Grants are available for food, heating costs, clothing, prescription medication, medical appliances and equipment, essential home repairs and emergency shelter or assistance.
A portion of Poppy Funds are used to promote Remembrance and ensure Canadians never forget the sacrifices of Canadas Veterans.
In addition to helping Veterans, Poppy Funds may be allocated for low-rental housing and care facilities, community medical appliances, medical research, drop-in centres, meals-on-wheels, transportation and community emergency services.
These facilities and services are often extended to the elderly, disabled or other community members who are in need of support.
The two local Legion branches, Windermere District Branch 71 and Edgewater Branch 199, are extremely thankful for all the generous contributions received each year and the high level of participation in Remembrance Day Ceremonies throughout the Upper Columbia Valley.
