Demand for poppies continues to grow

The demand for poppies continues to grow in the Southeast with the Steinbach Branch #190 of the Royal Canadian Legion ordering another 10,000.

“We have a greater demand every year for poppies,” branch president Bill Richards said.

Because there are fewer legions and population continues to increase the Steinbach branch has found themselves delivering poppies across the Southeast to places like Prawda, Sprague, Niverville, Lorette and all points in between he said.

“Basically, we are the only legion in the southeast portion of the province.”

That need coupled with fewer members who can make the deliveries has made this time of year a challenge.

But Richards said it has its rewards.

“Last year we received over $15,000 thanks to generous donations from the public,”

he said. “We are always amazed at the support we get and we’re very appreciative.”

In fact, spending the money in the poppy fund is the hard part.

That’s because the rules for the poppy campaign have been tightened up.

While previously funds could be spent on veterans, their families or their communities, new rules specify that funds must be spent on veterans and families.

“It’s a bit of a challenge for us because we have three vets, myself included,” he said. “Do I need anything? Not particularly no, so it’s really tough to decided that to do with the money.”

There are provincial and national programs poppy funds can be donated to, but Richards said they don’t want to do that.

“I kind of put my foot down, formally by the way, and I stated to my provincial command people that funds raised locally will be used locally because that’s what people what, that’s what they intend and I’m sure that’s what they expect,” he said.

Richards is hoping they will be able to connect with more veterans he said live in the region but aren’t legion members such as those from Afghanistan missions or other peacekeeping veterans.

“I see them as the service because they’re in uniform,” he said.

Currently the Steinbach legion has about $20,000 in their poppy fund.

Poppies are available at businesses around the region and are also distributed by Air Cadets, Scouts and Guides.

A symbol of remembrance since 1921, the poppy is also known internationally.