Sudbury Royal Canadian Legion poppies in high demand before Nov. 11
The Royal Canadian Legion in Sudbury says it expects it will have a healthy poppy fund after this Remembrance Day.
Chelmsford branch member Len Leclair said poppies have been so popular this year that some branches may run out before tomorrow.
He noted the attacks on soldiers in Ottawa and Quebec brought the sacrifice of military families close to home.
“It's extremely unfortunate. But you know sometimes, an awful thing will turn everything around,” he said.
“There was a real surge once that soldier was gunned down at that main war memorial in Ottawa.”
At an early Remembrance Day ceremony held at Southwind Retirement residence in Sudbury, veteran Bill Moffatt said the deadly attacks on two soldiers last month were a reminder that the world is still in conflict.
“Unfortunately we had the First World War to end all wars and we haven't learned our lesson yet. There seems to be strife at all times.”
More than 19 million poppies have been distributed across the country, the Legion reports. It has now set a new goal of 35 million, which would be one for every Canadian.
Leclair said funds raised by the poppy campaign in Sudbury stay in the city and go to help veterans and their families.