Photo by Curtis Galbraith

By Curtis Galbraith

Remembrance Day

Poppy campaign underway in Grande Prairie

Oct 30, 2021 | 1:14 AM

The Royal Canadian Legion’s annual poppy campaign is underway. It officially launched Friday.

Joanne Wood, the poppy campaign chair at the Grande Prairie Legion branch, says this is a special year.

“Because we are honouring the 100th year of the paper lapel poppy, so there are a few little differences to watch for with our poppy boxes going out this year,” she said.

“One of the options, we’re going to have a few tap boxes out and around so (people) will be able to use (a) debit card and actually tap the box. The other one is a QR code which will be located directly on the box.”

Wood says there are no “ambitious goals” when it comes to fundraising this year.

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She adds all money raised goes towards helping veterans.

“All funds that are raised in Grande Prairie, that money stays here in Grande Prairie and helps our veterans and their families here in Grande Prairie and surrounding area.”

Poppy boxes can be found at various local businesses.

Wood says the Legion is planning to hold an indoor ceremony on Remembrance Day this year.

There will be a full service, but wreaths will be placed beforehand rather than during the ceremony.

Wood adds there is a backup plan in place case restrictions change between now and November 11.

The ceremony will be live-streamed on the RCL Branch #54 – Grande Prairie, AB. Facebook page.

A video with more on the history of the poppy can be found on that same page.