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Letter: Legion Poppy Campaign just a few weeks away

Money collected through poppy sales held in trust to support veterans and their families
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Money raised during last year's Poppy Campaign enabled Legion Branch 76 to donate $46,000 to the following local community groups: Sam Bruno Pet Scan, Northern Cancer Foundation, Vale Hospice, Meals on Wheels, Finlandia Seniors Fitness Center and local cadet corps. File photo

The annual Poppy Campaign is just around the corner, and I want to take this opportunity to let the people of Sudbury know how much the Dr. Fred Starr Branch 76 of the Royal Canadian Legion appreciates your support. 

Last year's Poppy Campaign raised more than $60,000.

Money collected every year is held in trust to support veterans and their families. With Sudburians' generous support in 2015, we were also able to donate $46,000 to the following local community groups: Sam Bruno Pet Scan, Northern Cancer Foundation, Vale Hospice, Meals on Wheels, Finlandia Seniors Fitness Center and local cadet corps.

The poppy is a proud symbol of the Royal Canadian Legion. To those veterans who came before us, we say thank you. You gave your life so that we may have the freedoms that all Canadians enjoy. We will never forget.

Our poppy campaign this year starts on Friday, Oct. 28 and runs until Nov. 11, when all of Sudbury is invited to join us at the Sudbury Arena for our Remembrance Day ceremony. Our veterans and members will be out in full force in all the main locations, and boxes will be set up at the majority of retailers. To our retailers, your co-operation is greatly appreciated. Sudburians are some of the most generous people in Canada. I'm certain that this year will be no exception.

Last years' Remembrance Day ceremony at the Sudbury arena was attended by thousands. Let's make this year bigger and better than ever. Let's make this ceremony standing room only.

Together, lets show our men and women in uniform they are not alone. Call your family, friends and neighbours and make plans to attend. 

Bring your children so they, too, can get a sense of Remembrance; so they can learn and understand the importance of this occasion.

In closing, I encourage all Sudburians to wear your poppy proudly. I encourage you to think of the men and women who are far away from their love ones, hard at work keeping this world safe. We salute them.

Gisele Pharand
Poppy chairman
Royal Canadian Legion , Branch 76