The Royal Canadian Legion's annual Poppy campaign raises much-needed funds for military veterans and RCMP in need. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

LEST WE FORGET

Nanaimo legion’s kick off annual poppy fundraising campaign

Nov 1, 2019 | 6:38 AM

NANAIMO — The city’s Royal Canadian Legions have launched their annual poppy campaign.

Running through Nov. 11, the campaign is a major fundraiser for the Poppy Trust Fund, setup to support military veterans and former RCMP officers in need.

The fund provides financial assistance for basic items like food, clothing and shelter. It also supports the purchase of medical equipment, or pays for re-training and further education of veterans.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 past-president Bill Brayshaw told NanaimoNewsNOW the campaign is as much about fundraising as it is remembrance of the sacrifice by veterans.

“If anybody doesn’t have money, they still get a poppy. For kids, we put a little sticker on them so they don’t hurt themselves.”

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One major problem for the campaign is theft. In 2018, Nanaimo RCMP reported at least six poppy collection tins stolen from north Nanaimo businesses alone.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said at the time the thefts were likely the work of an individual or small group of people.

“Most people recognize the significance of these and even criminals will shy away from stealing poppy donations. We’re not happy with this, it’s absolutely despicable to steal money raised from poppies considering what they represent to everyone at this time of year,” O’Brien said.

Brayshaw added it costs the Legion lost donations, and has future indirect impacts.

“We’ve had stores decline having a poppy collection tin because of theft. We don’t blame the store, it’s just deplorable the way these people come in and steal them.”

Legion branch 10 has between 150 and 175 poppy stations downtown and around south Nanaimo. Legion branch 256 organizes stations through north Nanaimo.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley