Friday, November 11 is Remembrance Day, and the Legion is currently giving away poppies for donation. 

Poppies are available at Superstore, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Tim Horton’s, and other local businesses.  

Audrey Harder, President of the Royal Canadian Legion in Steinbach, says the poppy symbolizes the veterans we've lost and the peace we’ve gained. 

“So it's important that we give back to those people who have given for us: given for us to be free, given for us to do what we do every day.” 

The money raised through the poppies is often given back to those in need in the community. 

In the past, they have given donations out to CancerCare at Bethesda Hospital, Grunthal and Niverville care homes, and many more places in our communities. 

Harder says they are always looking for more places to help out. 

“If you think that you might fit within what we're able to support you with, give us a call or connect with us and we'll see what we can do for you.” 

Bill Richards, First Vice President with the Steinbach branch, says it will be quite the busy campaign this year now that COVID restrictions have been lifted. 

In fact, this year he has ordered 20,000 poppies. 

He’s excited to be campaigning in the community until Remembrance Day. He’s already had many requests for poppy boxes and requests to attend the service. 

Richards is looking forward to meeting up with the local Air Cadets at the ceremony. 

“I'm so thankful to have the help of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, Stony Brook 17,” he says. “We will have the cadets doing a color party, we'll have a piper, it's going to be a full service.” 

The ceremony takes place on November 11th at PPALC. The service starts at 11am, but Richards asks you to be there by 10:45am as they are anticipating a large crowd this year. 

“As Audrey will confirm, we're allowed to have 400 people, and I can tell you right now, from the requests I'm getting, we will certainly see 400, so I'm asking everyone to come early. We're going to have a full house.” 

Last year they live-streamed the service, and they are going to try to do the same this year. 

Remember to get your poppy. All the money raised by the Legion goes to the veterans, the Legion members, and the community.

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