The 2016 Poppy Campaign kicked off on Tuesday Oct. 25. President Ray Hibbert, of Agassiz Legion Br. 32 presented the First Poppy to community leaders in the local area.
Recipients of the First Poppy were Chief Harvey Paul of Sts'ailes First Nation; Chief Clem Seymour of Seabird Island; Mayor Leo Facio of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs; and Mayor John Van Laerhoven of the District of Kent.
The Poppy Campaign is the foundation of our Remembrance Day Program. Our Remembrance activities, however, go far beyond the two weeks leading up to Nov. 11 each year.
Canadians are generous when they see our Poppy Volunteers on the street and collection trays in the stores. As a result of this generosity, we are able to ensure that Veterans and their families are cared for and treated with the respect they deserve.
The Legion is the caretaker of these community funds and they are used for Veteran's and their families; whether, they are a member of the Legion or a citizen of the Agassiz-Harrison community.
The funds cannot in any way be used for the operation of the Legion or placed in General Funds. If anyone knows of a Veteran in need of assistance to fund a particular need, please contact the Legion and we will determine if the need meets the requirements for expenditure from the Poppy Fund.
See our Nov. 3 edition for the print version of the article and for more photos of the traditional and honourable kick off.