October 25 marked the start of this year’s poppy campaign and remembrance season. Leading up to Nov. 11 poppy campaign volunteers will take part in defining what remembrance means for Canadians everywhere.

“Most Canadians have never sacrificed anything for the freedoms we enjoy. It was given to us by those who came before us. It is now our duty to honour our Veterans and never forget the service and sacrifices they made on our behalf. We also remember…the parents who lost children to war, the dads who never came home, the children and teenagers who grew up far too soon,” BC/Yukon Command President Val MacGregor writes for her latest volunteer presentation at a school in Collingwood School in West Vancouver.

As both BC/Yukon Command President and a volunteer, Val has the pleasure of participating in the many ways Legion members benefit the local community.

Volunteering for the poppy campaign is a first taste of what those who volunteer at their local legion branch do throughout the year.

“Our volunteers and members are the heart of the Royal Canadian Legion. The range of skills and people needed to operate a branch demand responsibility. Our volunteers go above and beyond.,” said John Scott, Vice-President and Membership Chair of the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Volunteers have the opportunity to:

• Speak on remembrance at public and private schools;
• Create gaming and community building events;
• Visit and care for veterans;
• Be on their local branch’s board to give direction on finances and daily operations;
• Have a voice in the future of the Legion and veterans;
• Participate in veteran advocacy efforts;
• Fundraise with poppies to promote remembrance in Canada.

This poppy campaign is an opportunity for students who need volunteer hours, parents to teach their children about giving, professionals to find meaningful work outside of their day jobs and those who are retired to enter into the service of those who’ve sacrificed before them.

Experience promoting remembrance for yourself. Volunteer at your local Legion branch today!

Fast facts about the Royal Canadian Legion:

The Legion is a developer of veteran and senior affordable and assisted living housing in B.C. Over 4,500 units in 70 facilities.

The Legion Poppy Campaign raises around $2,500,000 per year for services and support in B.C. including: Grants for Veterans and their families in need; Veteran transition programs; Comforts for Veterans and their spouses who are hospitalized and in need; Support to Cadet units; A network of Branch and Command Service Officers across the province; Donations for disaster relief; Promotion and administration of Remembrance activities.

The BC/Yukon Legion Foundation gives more than $500,000 a year to support veterans and strengthen communities, including: Research and treatment of trauma and PTSD; Cockrell House provides shelter, food and support services to Veterans who are homeless or under-housed; The Veterans Transition Network provides group-based counselling and

transition programs to help military members to overcome barriers to their transition to civilian life; Medical and other equipment for seniors’ care; Veteran programs like the Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs.

The branches in B.C./Yukon Command raise $1.2 million/year through gaming which is re-invested in community programs.

Learn more about the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Royal Canadian Legion, BC/Yukon Command

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