Kamloops Legion President Daniel Martin (left), and President of the ANAVETS BC Command Randy Williams (right), present Mayor Ken Christian with the first poppy.(Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today)
POPPY CAMPAIGN

Kamloops Legion, ANAVETS present mayor with first poppy of 2021 campaign

Oct 26, 2021 | 3:24 PM

KAMLOOPS — Ahead of Remembrance Day, leaders from the local Legion and ANAVETS went to Kamloops City Hall today (Oct. 26) to present the first poppy to the mayor.

Boxes of poppies, wreaths and pins have already arrived at the campaign office in the 200-block of Seymour Street. When the campaign begins on Friday (Oct. 29), poppies can be purchased by donation throughout the city.

Kamloops Legion President Daniel Martin notes the funds raised by poppy sales go towards a good cause. (Click here to see full list.)

“Veterans are in need, dire need of food, lodging and stuff like this. All the money raised all goes toward veterans. It doesn’t go anywhere else but veterans programs.”

While accepting the first poppy, Mayor Ken Christian notes the city has a close relationship with the Legion and local veterans. Kamloops is one of only two cities in Canada with a Department of Defence sanctioned fly-over during Remembrance Day.

“It’s a real honour for Kamloops and I think it really reflects the relationship we have with the 419 Squadron. They’re freemen of the City of Kamloops and they have a great history here, going back to Moose Fulton.”

Martin says this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony will be held from the Battle Street cenotaph. With a limit of 100 people who can attend, the event will be invite-only. However the ceremony will be live-streamed for the public to view through the Kamloops Legion Facebook page.

To contact the local poppy office, call 250-374-0623.