PREECEVILLE, Sask. — The Royal Canadian Legion's Preeceville branch started its annual poppy campaign on Oct. 24.
Legion members William Lesko, Phil Murrin and Blaine Medlang sold the first poppy to Mayor Darin Newton. The legion was responsible for distributing the poppy boxes to the local businesses, encouraging the continued support of the poppy campaign.
The annual Remembrance Day service will be held at the Preeceville Community Hall on Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. with lunch to follow, prepared by the cadet squadron parents and families.
“After WW1, it was recognized that there was a need to help veterans in distress," said William Lesko.
"In 1921, the legion adopted the poppy as Canada’s symbol of Remembrance. "The poppy fund is made available for Canadian Forces and RCMP veterans and their families. Government pensions and benefits cannot anticipate every crisis. The poppy fund acts as an immediate, localized safety net. A veteran facing a sudden emergency can get timely, dignified help when government bureaucracy moves to slowly.
"Poppy funds are held separately in trust by each legion and can only be used to support veterans and their families. They cannot be used for general Legion overhead.
These funds are used for:
- Emergency financial aid: Grants for food, heating, clothing, prescription medication and housing or shelter;
- Medical and accessibility support: medical appliances, home-accessibility modifications for disabled veterans, and community medical equipment;
- Transition and care: funding for veteran transition programs, comfort items for hospitalized veterans and drop-in or support services.
- Community remembrance: Supporting local cadet units, veteran transportation and commemorative projects, maintaining cenotaphs, running the poster and literary contest for youth.
A percentage of all poppy funds collected are sent to provincial command in Regina, which runs four different programs to help veterans.
- Emergency funding;
- Leave the streets behind – Reduction and prevention of homelessness in the veteran community;
- Wellness – Help in transitioning to civilian life; and
- Puppies Assisting Wounded Service (PAWS) for veterans.
