WESTLOCK - The Westlock Legion’s annual poppy campaign kicked off Oct. 30, with proceeds heading to the organization’s poppy fund which helps veterans and their families.
As workers streamed in and out of the Legion collecting boxes of wreaths and poppies for distribution, first-year poppy fund committee chair Robert Mairns, a Legion member for the past six years, whose father served, confirmed there are no changes to the program this year due to COVID-19. Poppies are now for sale at a variety of area businesses until Remembrance Day, Nov. 11. Wreaths, which range in cost from $30-$40, are usually placed at businesses on request and then collected after Nov. 11.
“We do 252 baskets and each has 50 per basket. Whatever people want to put in for a donation is fine,” added committee member Regina Schmolinski. “And we also distribute about 200 wreaths to Westlock and Clyde.”
As in past years, mayor Ralph Leriger was on hand to have the first poppy pinned to his chest.
He commended not only the poppy program, but the organization for all it does for the community. He also took time to remind residents to pay their respects to everyone who has served by wearing a poppy.
“It’s truly an honour to receive the first poppy. We are indebted to the men and women who have served our nation and wearing a poppy is the least of what we can do to show our gratitude,” he said.
