The Royal Canadian Legion’s National Poppy Campaign, which begins Friday, will include new and returning initiatives.
For the first time, the Legion is expanding its poppy distribution capability by offering lapel poppies, via a new storefront, on Amazon.ca for donations of $2, $5, $10, and $20.
“We are so excited to present this new initiative,” said Dominion President Berkley Lawrence, in a statement.
“This collaboration with Amazon Canada will give us a much larger footprint and help ensure that we can distribute as many poppies as possible. No matter where people live, they can have poppies delivered to their door and help show their gratitude for our fallen veterans.”
Otherwise, both traditional poppy donation boxes and “pay tribute” tap-enabled ones — a way to make a touchless donation by using tap-enabled devices or cards — will be available for donations in thousands of locations.
The Legion will also continue to offer biodegradable poppies and wreaths.
The Legion will feature its popular initiative called “Poppy Stories” in which people can use their smartphones to go to Poppystories.ca to learn the story of a Canadian veteran. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Airforce.
The $20 million raised annually through poppy donations supports Canada’s veterans and their families, and helps promote remembrance.
On Nov. 11, the Legion will hold the country’s National Remembrance Day Ceremony, which will be livestreamed from its Facebook page.
Founded in 1925, the Legion is Canada’s largest veteran support and community service organization.