As the year transitions deeper into the fall, the Cranbrook branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is beginning to prepare for Remembrance Day ceremonies.
The annual poppy campaign will be underway by Oct. 28th, while Legion volunteers will soon be attending local businesses to sell wreaths that will be presented at the Cenotaph during Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Since volunteers are making personal appearances on behalf of the Legion, Clive Brown, RCL Branch No. 24 president is hoping business owners or managers can be available, or give employees permission to purchase a wreath, when a Legion representative attends.
The intent is to cut down on as many return trips by Legion volunteers as possible, says Brown.
All money raised supports veterans locally, whether it goes to medical equipment, PTSD programs as well as a Poster Literacy Contest for students in the school district.
Last year, the campaign raised 20,000, according to Brown.
"It's great that we have such a great community that supports the poppy fund through the Legion," said Brown.
In years past, there have been in excess of 300 wreaths presented to the Cenotaph during Remembrance Day service in Cranbrook.
Businesses can purchase wreaths and display them up until Nov. 7, before Legion volunteers return to collect them and prepare them for Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11.
Veterans will also be out in the community in places such as the Tamarack Mall to support the poppy campaign, as well as getting into the schools for Remembrance Day assemblies on Nov. 10th.