Callander Legion Branch 445 President Ron Devost pinned a poppy to the chest of Mayor Robb Noon this morning to officially kick off the 2022 National Poppy Campaign locally.
The campaign will culminate with Remembrance Day services at the Callander Legion and newly renovated Callander Cenotaph (Peace Park) at 11 am, November 11.
"All the money raised stays local for veterans and their families," Devost said. There are over 400 members in the Callander Legion.
Veterans have benefited from hearing aids, dentures, fixing mobility scooters, and even helping with groceries because of the poppy fund.
"One of our veterans, his wife had cancer and because she had lost so much weight, she needed to get dentures adjusted but didn't have any money for it so they came to us and we helped pay the bill.
Two digital tap machines will also be used.
"The new generation a lot of them don't have cash and they use the tap."
Boxes will still be used for cash donations. In addition to donation boxes in local stores, tag days are scheduled for East Ferris, Bonfield, and Callander tomorrow (Saturday) as well as Saturday, November 5. Local veterans and Legion members will be outside a variety of businesses accepting donations to the poppy fund.
Devost says it's an emotional time for veterans.
"It brings back the memories of the times that they served in times of war."
Mayor Noon says the Legion and its campaign is important for his town.
"We're very proud of this Legion and all the things they have done for us. Being here to accept this is very important to me and the municipality, to be part of the opening of the poppy campaign."
The town recently renovated its cenotaph area in Peace Park, and Noon says it will be unveiled at the end of the campaign.
"That's a work in progress. We got some funding a couple of years ago so now we get to see the new cenotaph. What we are trying to develop there is have people sit and think about the history of our veterans and what they've done for us."
On November 11th, the Callander Legion Pipes and Drums, assisted by the North Bay Pipes and Drums, The Colour Party, as well as members of the Legion will parade along Veterans Way to the Callander Cenotaph for services at 11 am.
