Legion’s 2026 Poppy Campaign begins October 24

The Royal Canadian Legion’s 2026 Poppy Campaign will begin nationally on October 24 and continue through Remembrance Day on November 11, establishing a consistent annual start date earlier than the campaign’s former last-Friday-of-October schedule. Legion branches across the country are preparing poppy distribution and fundraising. In Barriere, British Columbia, MaryAnn Shewchuk, president of Branch 242, pinned the first local poppy on Mayor Rob Kerslake at the Legion hall’s cenotaph on October 21. A ceremonial first poppy was also presented to Governor General Louise Arbour at Rideau Hall that day, according to the branch report. In Powell River, British Columbia, local organizers held a first-poppy ceremony outside city hall on October 21. Committee member Chris Carnall said 60 trays would be distributed from Lund to Saltery Bay beginning October 24. In Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Branch 56 plans to place poppy trays at participating businesses and offer Pay Tribute boxes that accept contactless card donations. Thorold, Ontario, will distribute poppy boxes through local businesses and offices. The Legion says poppies are available at no charge and donations support veterans...