With Remembrance Day coming up on November 11th, the Steinbach Legion’s Poppy Campaign is in full swing.

Steinbach Legion President Bill Richards says they began distribution of the poppies in late October. He notes they made a larger ordered than normal this year but have already had to go to Winnipeg to pick up more for southeastern Manitoba.

"We started distributing poppies to the community, businesses, schools, and we have already had a tremendous response, in fact, we have had to go back to several businesses to replenish their stock so that is awesome. We are already in a shortage situation which is awesome."

Richards says the poppy is a flower of remembrance and respect that has long been attached to the Royal Canadian Legion. He notes the support they feel from the community has been excellent.

"I am ecstatic and as mentioned, even more so because we are running out of supplies already so that is awesome and that shows that the community supports us. The schools have been tremendously supportive. We have distributed over 8,000 poppies to the schools in this area and in the Hanover School Division."

Richards says the poppies are free but you are welcome to give a small donation. He notes all donations will be given to a variety of community projects that veterans are associated with.

Audrey Harder is the Steinbach Legion Secretary. She says the Remembrance Day service in Steinbach will be held on November 11th at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church at 10:45 a.m.

"It will be very traditional, it will have members of a couple of churches in town coming to do some prayers and we will have a piper and we will have wreaths being laid and memories being shared."

Harder says the Steinbach Legion will also be sponsoring a Steinbach Pistons game on November 8th and the only World War II veteran in our area will drop the puck. She notes they will also present Cancer Care Steinbach with a sizable donation.

Richards adds the Air Cadets, Girl Guides, and Girl Scouts are also great partners that help with the poppy campaign.