The sign-up sheet is posted in the entrance for the poppy campaign, which starts the most important time of the Legion year – the Remembrance period. Whether or not you have a family member who served in the Armed Forces, you can support our veterans, their families or surviving spouse. None of the poppy funds benefit the Legion. Under both federal law and the Royal Canadian Legion Bylaws, every donation is kept in trust, separate from the Legion’s general funds.
COVID has limited the locations and times for canvassing in person, so even one hour accepting donations in exchange for a lapel poppy can make a huge difference to the local campaign. Thanks to those donations last year, the Walkerton Legion was able to contribute $24,978.25 to assist veterans or their families, and to organizations which support our veterans.
The Remembrance dinner is Nov. 6. Tickets are $18 each, free for veterans and spouse or caregiver but you must reserve your ticket. At this time, the province still regulates a limit of 50, and that everyone has to be double-vaccinated.
Did you know you can purchase a digital poppy to share on social media? Funds raised through the digital poppy go directly to the Legion National Foundation to help veterans and their families.
The Remembrance Poster and Literary contest is also under way. Students (including home-schooled) may submit once per category, but may enter all categories for which they are eligible. The local deadline to submit entries will be Nov. 19 and Youth Education Chairman Rich Henry is still looking for a few judges. Leave a message for him at the Legion by calling 519-881-0821.
To see the categories and the national winners from previous years go to https://lnfcanada.ca/participate/remembrance-contests-for-children-and-youth/
Still searching for the ace
John Vance was the winner of $1,463, the largest weekly Catch the Ace this round, when he guessed envelope No. 32, which held the 10 of Hearts. The final draw will be next week, with a jackpot of about $27,000. If there are any tickets left, get yours at the Legion or through members of Walkerton and District Optimist Club or Kinsmen Club of Walkerton.
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Jan Briggs-McGowan is a member of the Walkerton Legion. Her column appears here weekly.
