The official launch of the Saskatoon 2022 poppy campaign took place at Saskatoon City Hall today (Fri). Ward 3 City Councillor and Deputy Mayor David Kirton filled in for the Mayor in pinning the first Poppy on Master Warrant Officer Rick Cumbers who is a veteran of UN and NATO deployments to Yugoslavia and also the Afghanistan War. A similar launch took place in Regina with the Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty.

Steve Shannon, who has been the emcee at the Remembrance Day ceremony for many years, spoke at the event in his position as CEO of the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation. The Foundation has been the recipient of over $250,000 over the past 12 years from the Saskatoon Poppy Fund, with the proceeds going to purchase equipment to help care for veterans and their families.

The Poppy Campaign is today through to November 11th and for the first time ever, the Royal Canadian Legion is distributing new biodegradable Poppies and wreaths. They are crafted from a variety of natural materials including paper, cotton velvet, plaster, moss, and bamboo. It will take a few years for residual stock to be depleted, but eventually all Poppies and wreaths used during the campaign will be biodegradable. The Legion is excited to present “Poppy Stories” this year. People can visit PoppyStories.ca to scan their lapel Poppy with their smartphone. They will then be taken to short personal stories about Canadian Veterans who gave their lives in service to our country.

Traditional Poppy boxes will be available at over 27,000 locations for donations and lapel poppy distribution. For a third year, 1000 “Pay Tribute” Tap and Give electronic boxes will be found at many Legion Branches, HSBC Branches, and select retail locations. There are $2, $5 and $10 options and donors can receive a lapel Poppy from the electronic box. Donors can also choose to give online via Legion.ca.