Sooke Mayor Maja Tait received the town’s first poppy on Friday.
Tait was presented with the poppy by president Ted Davies and poppy fund chair Murray Lambert at a small ceremony at the cenotaph, hosted by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 54.
The poppy is Canada’s symbol of remembrance for fallen military and RCMP veterans.
Lambert said the poppy campaign has two important purposes. The first is about remembrance, and the second is to raise funds for philanthropic causes related to veterans, youth, and civic causes.
The first poppy of the 2023 national campaign was presented to Governor General Mary Simon on Oct. 20, presented by Legion Dominion president Bruce Julian.
“Each year, we are honored by our Governor General’s gracious support in wearing the first poppy,” said Julian.
“Her acceptance reflects this symbol’s importance in Canada, as a means of visually recognizing and thanking our fallen veterans.”
To support the campaign online, visit poppystore.ca.
Taggers are out at busy locations around Sooke, and boxes will be set up at stores for donations, where cash and cheques will be accepted. Credit or bank cards can be used at the Sooke Legion, 6726 Eustace Rd., where you can sign up for a two-hour tagging shift.
For more information about the local poppy campaign, call 250-642-5913.
Remembrance Day is Nov. 11.
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