WESTLOCK – This year marks the 100th anniversary of the poppy and Westlock Legion members have been busy ensuring they are available across town.
Legion members started Oct. 29 with the tradition of pinning a poppy on Town of Westlock mayor Ralph Leriger, then got to work distributing donation buckets and poppies to 24 locations across town.
This year, donation buckets feature a QR code that can be scanned for contact and cash-free donations.
Poppy chair Regina Schmolinski says it is part of an effort to minimize contact due to COVID-19 as well as increase convenience for those who wish to donate.
In 2020, the Legion received just over $16,000 in poppy donations, which are used to fund community projects. Businesses and organizations can submit a request for funding to the Legion so long as the project benefits veterans.
Last year the Legion funded the Westlock Cadets, a literary contest for kids and purchased five isoflex mattresses for the hospital.
See more next week on the upcoming Westlock-area Remembrance Day ceremonies.
