National poppy campaign begins in Kamloops

Oct 28, 2016 | 5:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — With Remembrance day two weeks away, we begin to reflect on the sacrifice made by veterans of war’s past. 

One way to remember their efforts is by wearing a poppy, which has stood as a symbol of remembrance for Canadians for 95 years, and on Friday the national poppy campaign officially kicked off.

Volunteers from the Kamloops Legion Branch 52 are already set up at Sahali Mall, taking donations from the public in exchange for a poppy. Next week, volunteer will be taking poppies to the local schools.

The poppy campaign will run until November 10, and people are encouraged to wear a poppy to pay tribute to soldiers that put their lives on the line for our freedoms.

It’s the Royal Canadian Legion’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The money raised helps veterans and their families. In Kamloops, the poppy campaign brings in about $60,000, more half of which stays in the city to support local veterans and youth programs, including the Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association.