Local legion raised over $100K in last year’s Poppy Campaign

Preparing for the launch of its 2023 Poppy Campaign, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 is reporting that it raised more than $100,000 in its 2022 campaign.

That’s more than the amount raised in 2021, which was upwards of $90,000.

“We did phenomenal. I’ve been involved in the Poppy Campaign for 30 years and I’ve been the chair for the last three. That’s one of the highest amounts we’ve collected,” said Pierre Breckenridge, Branch 25 president and Poppy Campaign chair, in an interview with SooToday.

“The generosity of the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie never ceases to amaze me, in particular when it comes to veterans," said a visibly moved Breckenridge.

Money raised from last year’s poppy sales went to good use.

“We gave over $40,000 to veterans’ programs and services, for homeless veterans, adaptive devices, family services, walkers and things like that. We invested close to $15,000 in local youth programs and money for the adaptive ski program for disabled veterans.”

“Their service may be finished but the pain and suffering can carry on. The generosity of the general public shows that the veterans’ service is appreciated,” Breckenridge said.

The Legion launches its annual Poppy Campaign on the last Friday in October and it continues until Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

This year’s campaign launches with a brief ceremony and the raising of the Poppy Campaign flag at the Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27.

As reported earlier, this year’s flag raising will coincide with the official unveiling of a large display of 5,000 crochet poppies adorning the Sault Ste. Marie Museum’s exterior wall facing Queen Street East.

Breckenridge also said he is pleased with the help of PUC Services in hoisting the veterans’ banners currently visible along Queen Street East in the city’s downtown.

“It’s really, really nice to see that project has taken off. We got overwhelming support last year after the pilot project in 2021.”

March for a Veteran is also on Branch 25’s list of activities for Remembrance Day.

March for a Veteran is an original initiative established by Branch 25 in 2014.

It's an opportunity for a family member, or a member of the public, to honour a veteran who has served or is currently serving with the Canadian Armed Forces or the RCMP.

A family member may march for a veteran who is deceased, ill or too frail to take part in the Remembrance Day march from GFL Memorial Gardens to the Cenotaph in front of the Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse and back, or for someone unable to attend because he or she is currently deployed with the Forces in Canada or abroad.

“We have about a dozen people right now but want more to come forward to honour friends or family members’ service,” Breckenridge said.

Anyone wanting to march for a veteran is asked to call and register through the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 office by calling 705 945 8721 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The branch may also be contacted through email. 

Participants will be asked for their name, contact information and the name of the veteran they are marching for.

Marchers bring a photo of the veteran or carry his or her medals - participants are not allowed to actually wear the medals - during the march.

Marchers are asked to arrive at GFL Memorial Gardens on Saturday Nov. 11 by 10 a.m.

Wheelchairs and strollers, if required, are welcome if an adult is pushing them.

Breckenridge said Branch 25 is also eager to get the word out regarding its annual storefront challenge.

Businesses and homes are encouraged to decorate their front windows with Remembrance Day themes.

Business and home owners who do so are asked to take photos of their displays and email them to Branch 25.

“We were very, very pleased with what we received in terms of the displays last year,” Breckenridge said.

“Some businesses went all out in decorating their storefronts and what we’re asking them to do again this year is take a picture and send it to us by email and the committee will take a look at the submissions.”

Last year’s top honours went to The Real Estate Stop Inc. Mortgage Centre at the corner of Queen St. E. and Gore Street.

There was no cash prize but Branch 25 presented the business with a plaque in appreciation of its efforts.