Legion branches set to 'take a hit' as COVID-19 wilts poppy campaign

As Remembrance Day approaches, legion branchesin Ottawa and across the country are worriedCOVID-19 will affect how much money they can raise through the annualpoppy campaign.

The poppies, which are given out each November,usually bring in between $15 and $20 million in donations for veterans' programs, according to The Royal Canadian Legion.

The campaignis ledby legion volunteers, usually at public places likegrocery stores and shopping malls.

This year, however, legion branches are preparing to run their campaigns with less help than normal and rely more heavily on donation boxes as some volunteers who are older orat higher risk for COVID-19 choose to take the year off.

"You never know what you're going to run into with this COVID, so some of them have said they'd rather not [participate]. And it's completely understandable," said Garry Beaupre, president of the Montgomery Legion in downtown Ottawa.

Downtown legion missing federal workers

Beaupre said his branch usually hasaround 60 volunteers each year, but this fall they're down to about 20 although he was able to recruit some younger people who have been helping a lot.

One unique issue for his downtown legion, he said, is that they count heavily on federal civil servantsto make donations while they're at work downtown.

The pandemic, however, means many of those employees are now working remotely.

"Probably 50 to 60 per centof our donations came fromthe government," Beaupre said. "Our average was somewhere between 80 and 100,000 [dollars] last year for the whole campaign."

Beaupresaid his branch is lucky to havesome reserve funds, so he doesn't think their programming will be affected too badly.

Legions find new ways to raise money during the pandemic

4 years ago

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Joseph Maillet, a retired Canadian Armed Forces member and legion volunteer, says legions have come up with a new way to raise money for veterans this year as the pandemic limits traditional fundraising efforts.

'Downsizing right across the country'

The pandemic is forcing the Royal Canadian Legion to get creative to get the fundraising job done, with the national office distributing a new touchlesspay machine that's designed to help people donate while they observephysical distancing rules.

"You just flash your card in front ofthe box and you make a two-dollar donation," said Tom Irvine, dominion president of the Royal Canadian Legion.

"We're coming up with ingenious ideas across the country, depending on your area and the health concerns for that area."

One example of a creative workaround could be seen in Orlans on Saturday and Sunday, where volunteers held a drive-thru donation campaign.

Despite the various innovations this year,Irvine is still worriedthat fundraising efforts will fall short of previous years.

"I'm anticipating downsizing right across the country," he said. "We're hoping that because Canadians know that the legion is going to take a hit andthe poppy fund is so important. We're hoping that Canadians are going to be generous this year."

The legion is also urging Canadians to donate online.