🇨🇦 Collingwood Legion Launches 2026 Poppy Campaign

COLLINGWOOD, ON. – The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63 will launch its annual Poppy Campaign on October 24, inviting residents to honour the service and sacrifice of Canada’s Veterans and serving military members by proudly wearing the Poppy and supporting the Poppy Fund.

The Poppy Campaign remains one of the Legion’s most visible and meaningful acts of remembrance. Poppies are distributed freely to all who wish to wear one, and the Legion gratefully accepts donations to the Poppy Fund in support of Veterans, serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP personnel, and their families.

The Poppy Campaign is a community-based initiative conducted by Legion Branches in cities, towns, and communities across Canada. Donations received during the campaign are held in trust by Branch 63 and are used to provide direct support to Veterans, serving members, and their families. One hundred percent of all donations received during the Poppy Campaign are directed to the Poppy Fund.

“The Poppy is a symbol that connects Canadians to those who have served and continue to serve our country,” said Anthony Griffiths, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63. “Every donation made to the Poppy Fund helps ensure assistance is available to Veterans, serving members, and their families when they need it most.”

This year’s campaign comes as Canadians continue to reflect on the tragic fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright that claimed four lives and injured dozens of military personnel.

“What happened at CFB Wainwright has affected military families across Canada,” said Griffiths. “The men and women who serve at military bases like Wainwright come from communities across the country, including right here in the Georgian Bay Area. When tragedy strikes one military community, it touches all of us.”

In recognition of the ongoing needs arising from this tragedy, Branch 63 will ensure that a portion of this year’s Poppy Fund collections is directed to the Edmonton Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), an organization that provides support and services to military families, including those affected by the Wainwright incident.

“Every Poppy donation makes a difference,” said Griffiths. “By supporting the Poppy Fund, Canadians help ensure Veterans, serving members, and military families receive the assistance and support they deserve.”

The annual Poppy Campaign begins on October 24 and continues through the Remembrance Day period. Donation boxes and Poppies will be available throughout the community, and volunteers will once again be present at locations across Collingwood.

Branch 63 encourages all residents to wear a Poppy proudly and join in remembering those who have served, supporting those who continue to serve, and standing with the military community in times of need.

Volunteers Needed: Help Distribute Poppies

We are seeking dedicated volunteers to help distribute poppies throughout the community. Your support is essential to the success of this important campaign. To volunteer, please email poppy@collingwoodlegion.ca or stop by the Collingwood Legion to sign up.

Lay a Wreath in Tribute

We offer a variety of Remembrance wreaths in different sizes for those who wish to lay one at the cenotaph in memory of a loved one or to show support for our veterans. Wreaths can be purchased through the Collingwood Legion.

Join Us on Remembrance Day

We welcome everyone to attend the Remembrance Ceremony at the Station Cenotaph on November 11th.  Following the ceremony, please join us at the Legion for a warm and hearty chili lunch starting at noon as we gather in community and remembrance.

About the Poppy Fund

The Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Fund is a trust fund established to provide assistance and support to Veterans, serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP personnel, and their families. Donations made during the annual Poppy Campaign are held in trust and distributed in accordance with approved Poppy Fund policies and guidelines.