![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.5518500.1626910401!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Simcoe County Legion branches begin annual Poppy campaign
Friday marked the start of the official Remembrance Day Poppy campaign.
Millions of Canadians wear poppies yearly to mark all those who've fought for their country.
- Download the CTV News app free to get local news alerts
- Don't miss breaking news - Sign up for the CTV Newsletter
"It is so important, an event like today because it does get the word out and poppy funds - they're just so important," said Judi Giovanetti, Zone E3 Poppy Chairman. "It helps our veterans, and we have lots of veterans to help with the economy."
The Poppy campaign supports legions, veterans and their families.
"This year, we spent over $100,000 on needy veterans and their families; it's been a very, very busy year," said Fern Tallifer, Poppy campaign chair for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 in Barrie. "Everything from purchasing medical equipment from beds and wheelchairs and walkers to helping them out. We had five homeless veterans living in their cars, so finding them a place to live, first and last months rent."
On Friday, the Legion began the campaign with a ceremony. Silver Cross mother, Carol Collier and her husband attended.
"We do our own poppy collections in Bradford. We go out and canvas, and the community is very supportive," Collier said. "It's a refresher to hear how it's distributed. We don't hear about that, and it's good to know that it's very well used."
The Poppy campaign is the Legion's biggest fundraiser of the year, and the goal for this year is to raise $150,000 locally.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6963942.1721040449!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Trump is expected to pick his vice presidential nominee on Monday, the first day of GOP convention
Donald Trump said he plans to announce his vice presidential pick on Monday, the first day of the Republican National Convention.
DEVELOPING Motive of man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump remains elusive
Former U.S. president Donald Trump called for unity and resilience after an attempt on his life injected fresh uncertainty into an already tumultuous presidential campaign, while President Joe Biden implored Americans to 'cool it down' in the final stretch and 'resolve our differences at the ballot box.'
The biggest question the U.S. Secret Service will have to answer, according to a former special agent in charge
A former U.S. Secret Service agent says those involved in Donald Trump's security detail will have some questions to answer following an assassination attempt.
Corus Entertainment says ongoing job cuts will amount to 25% of full-time positions
Corus Entertainment Inc. says it expects to have slashed 25 per cent of its full-time workforce by the end of next month compared with the beginning of its 2023 fiscal year, as the company continues to "aggressively cut costs."
U.S. judge dismisses Trump classified documents case
The U.S. federal judge presiding over the classified documents case of former president Donald Trump in Florida dismissed the prosecution on Monday, siding with defence lawyers who said the special counsel who filed the charges was illegally appointed.
What to expect from the 2024 Republican National Convention, just days after the Trump rally shooting
The Republican party kicks off its convention to pick its presidential nominee in Milwaukee, Wis., on Monday, just two days after former U.S. president Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. Here's CTVNews.ca's guide on what to expect.
Ontario accelerates alcohol expansion plans amid ongoing LCBO strike
As the LCBO strike enters its second week, the Ontario government is speeding up its alcohol expansion plans, announcing licensed grocery stores will be able to start selling ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages as of July 18.
Body found on Spanish island during search for missing British teenager Jay Slater
Search teams looking for missing British teenager Jay Slater on the Spanish island of Tenerife have found the body of a young man.
Quebec RCMP seize 63 kilograms of cocaine stashed inside grand piano, arrest four
Quebec RCMP say they seized 62.7 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the walls of a grand piano during searches in the Lanaudière region and the Sherbrooke, Que., area.