Flag raising ceremony signifies start of Poppy Campaign 2023

By Casandra Turnbull

A flag raising ceremony at the Paris Legion on October 27th signified the start of the 2023 Poppy Campaign. Committee members from Branch 29 Legion made sure the Poppy donation boxes were placed in as many Paris businesses as possible where they will remain out until Remembrance Day on November 11th. Last year’s Poppy Campaign raised $21,000 locally.

The funds raised go directly to the Legion’s work to assist Canadian Veterans and their families and some of the funds are distributed to various education bursaries the Legion supports in this community The Legion donates to the Homeless Veterans Fund, the Legion Bursary Fund, the Legion Charitable Foundation and the District B Hospital Fund. An example of supporting local veterans, Branch 29 President Donald MacLeod shared that branch members are currently supporting an 81 year old veteran who has numerous ongoing medical appointments in London and the funding helps volunteers get her to and from all appointments.

Locally, the Paris Legion has 37 active members who served whether it was the Korean War or in Afghanistan, the veterans all range in age Years ago, the local membership boasted a number of World Ward 2 veterans, but as the years march on, the shape of the Legion’s membership is changing.

“We do a pretty good job of trying to recruit veterans,” explained MacLeod. “We’ve been reaching out trying to get more of them to come to the Legion.”

In the last year or so, said MacLeod, about 15 younger veterans have joined the Paris Legion and it’s a welcome sight, he added.

If you’d like to support the local Legion, purchase your poppy at any supporting Paris business or drop by the Legion at 70 William Street to get one Lest We Forget signs are on order will be in soon so you can call the Legion (519442-3788) to reserve one. You can also visit the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy store online to purchase your merchandise and support Veteran affairs.