Local legion sounds alarm for volunteers ahead of poppy campaign

Poppy campaign volunteers needed

The national poppy campaign is set to launch later this month and local legions in Simcoe County are imploring the public to help make it a successful year.

This year's poppy campaign is set to launch on Fri. Oct. 25. The annual initiative is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Barrie Legion 147, bringing in dollars that go directly towards supporting veterans in need of assistance.

"All I'm asking is…two hours of your time. Come on, give us a hand here," said Fern Taillefer, the chairman of this year’s campaign locally. "Give us an hour. We'll take it! Whatever you can give us, we're happy to take."

According to Taillefer, who also serves in a leadership position at the legion, dollars are especially needed now as veterans continue to age. Last year’s campaign raised approximately $140,000 and a majority of that was spent on various supports for those who gave their lives to protect this country.

"They're getting older and they need more," Taillefer said. "So medical equipment…you know special events, special wheelchairs, etc., whatever they need. We unfortunately have some homeless veterans as well to help them with first and last month's rent, getting them apartments. So it's been a really busy, busy year."

Local legion leaders are putting out a call for help from the public to volunteer to make this campaign a success.

Volunteers are needed to distribute poppy boxes to businesses throughout the city, a task that will be completed on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.

Once the campaign starts, the legion will also need many helping hands. They've divided the city into six regions, looking for volunteers to sign up for 2 hour shifts to collect donations for poppies from various locations throughout Barrie.

"It's a small ask for a couple hours of your time for what our veterans have done for this country," said Taillefer. "They served our country well. They deserve some recognition and some help, especially help for those who need that, whether it be because of their PTSD issues, whether it be a medical issue or just aging."

The legion has sign up sheets on display at its location on Ferris Ln. for anyone willing to give some of their time.