The Royal Canadian Legion is introducing some new initiatives this year for its annual Poppy Campaign.
The Legion is debuting new biodegradable Poppies and wreaths. They are made from natural materials including paper, cotton velvet and bamboo. The plan is to eventually have all biodegradable Poppies and wreaths, adding it will take several years to deplete residual stock.
“We are pleased that we have been able to reduce our environmental footprint with these beautiful biodegradable symbols of Remembrance,” Bruce Julian, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion said in a news release. “At the same time, we’re presenting some new initiatives to engage more Canadians in the importance and meaning of Remembrance.”
The Legion is also introducing 'Poppy Stories' this year. People can visit PoppyStories.ca via their smartphone to learn more about veterans who gave their lives in service to our country.
Poppy boxes will be available at 27,000 locations across Canada. Tap and give electronic boxes will also be available at some Legion Branches, HSBC Branches, and select retail locations.
You can donate online to the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund.
The annual push to honour fallen soldiers officially launched on Friday and is set to run until Remembrance Day, and organizers say they're hopeful the features introduced this year will help re-engage Canadians in the act of paying tribute to veterans both past and present.
-- With files from The Canadian Press
