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Veterans launch poppy campaign

Foothills residents have 11 days to dig into their pockets to lend a hand to those who fought for freedom. The Royal Canadian Legion launched its annual poppy campaign today with ceremonies at the Turner Valley cenotaph at 1 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion Turner Valley Branch #78 first vice-president Linda Macaulay pins a poppy on Longview mayor Carole MacLeod’s lapel at the legion’s poppy
Royal Canadian Legion Turner Valley Branch #78 first vice-president Linda Macaulay pins a poppy on Longview mayor Carole MacLeod’s lapel at the legion’s poppy campaign kick-off on Oct. 30. Also pinned with poppies were Black Diamond mayor Sharlene Brown, Turner Valley mayor Kelly Tuck and Foothills MP John Barlow.

Foothills residents have 11 days to dig into their pockets to lend a hand to those who fought for freedom.

The Royal Canadian Legion launched its annual poppy campaign today with ceremonies at the Turner Valley cenotaph at 1 p.m. and Okotoks cenotaph at 3 p.m.

All money collected during the campaign from Oct. 31 to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11 is held in trust for foothills veterans and their dependants. Last year’s collections totaled around $58,000, contributing to initiatives ranging from making veterans’ homes wheelchair accessible to providing extra equipment for those living in assisted needs institutions.

“It’s great that we have a source helping veterans that need assistance financially and otherwise,” said Ray MacGregor, who served in the Canadian Special Operations Regiments and Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry before retiring. “It’s nice to know the money donated to the poppy fund is from the public.”

The poppy fund not only provides financial assistance to veterans and their families, but also pays tribute to the men and woman who served in war by pinning a symbolic red poppy to one’s lapels.

“It’s time to remember the people who sacrificed our way of life and our families and it’s a time to reflect on the people who sacrificed their lives to try to help people in other countries have the same freedoms we have,” MacGregor said.

Turner Valley’s poppy fund chairman Linda Macaulay said there are about 50 veterans in the High Country area.

“This branch has always helped our veterans,” said Macaulay, the first vice-president of the 86-year-old branch. “We have the funds in trust and spend it where it’s most needed.”

In Okotoks, 350 poppy collection boxes were placed in stores, businesses and the town office for the community’s newly-established legion branch.

Malcolm Hughes, vice-president of the Alberta Northwest Territories Command, said he expects the funds collected by the Royal Canadian Legion Okotoks Branch #291 will provide a lot of help for area veterans.

“We can do what we need to do for the veterans and their families,” he said.

Hughes will be among many veterans present during the collection of donations over the next few days.

“What we do know is when they see veterans out there wearing medal ribbons people seem to be responsive a little bit more,” he said of the public. “That’s been the case in the 40 years I’ve been a legion member. There’s a sense of thankfulness. When they see a veteran they say thank you for your service. That really is good to hear.”

Each year, the poppy campaign kicks off with the pinning of a poppy on the Governor General during an official ceremony in Ottawa. Following a similar ceremony in Edmonton for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta this morning at 11 a.m., local government officials throughout Alberta were pinned with poppies.

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