Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Dylana Kneeshaw

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Poppy campaign gathering community donations ahead of Remembrance Day

Nov 9, 2020 | 5:12 PM

KAMLOOPS — To fill a fundraising void in the annual poppy campaign, several community groups have stepped up to donate to the local Legion ahead of Remembrance Day.

Donations are down compared to previous years and the volunteer power that normally gathers money for veteran support programs has been reduced as well. To make up for the shortfall, the local Anavets 290 presented the poppy campaign headquarters with a $1,000 donation.

Anavets 290 President Debbie Allan says the veterans assistance programs the poppy campaign contributes to are crucial and members felt it was important to make sure the money was still there.

“There’s not as many of our members out helping this year to sell and we just felt that with COVID and everything going on, it was a way that we could give to the poppy fund.”

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A $2,000 cheque was also dropped off at the poppy office Monday (Nov. 9) from the Kamloops Blazers. General Manager Matt Bardsley says the funds were raised during the team’s military appreciation night.

“It’s from the sales of the military night jerseys. We felt that night was exciting. There was such a buzz about the jerseys, just how popular they were. I know our players really enjoyed playing in those jerseys,” he notes. “We’re really happy that we’re able to help out from the sales of those jerseys.”

As the Legion and local veterans prepare for the Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday, Legion Branch 52 President Daniel Martin says the public is reminded to stay home and avoid gathering near the Battle Street cenotaph.

“So we’re asking the public to please respect that date this year. It’s for veterans, by veterans, so we’re trying to keep it down to 50 people.”

The Anavets 270 location will not be open for post-Remembrance Day gatherings and all Legions across B.C and Yukon will be closed on November 11 — including the Kamloops location.

The full Remembrance Day ceremony can be watched on CFJC TV at 10:45 a.m November 11 and streamed live online at CFJCToday.com.