The Royal Canadian Legion’s annual poppy campaign is underway, but concerns are growing about the lack of volunteers.
Second World War veterans as in their 90s, and while the Legion recognizes all veterans who have served, or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, the aging of veterans is cited as one reason for the decrease.
Valerie Mitchell-Veinotte of the Nova Scotia Nunavut Command says many older veterans are no longer able to help and younger ones have trouble finding the time.
“Our younger members are working during the day and some even during the evening are busy with children and other extracurricular activities,” says Mitchell-Veinotte.
New volunteer Annette Marshall signed for the campaign for the first time on Monday.
“Noticing how many, how few veterans are around to do this job, I called up and asked if they could use a volunteer,” says Marshall, who spent Monday volunteering at a Halifax mall.
Marshall plans to be at the table every day until Remembrance Day, but not everyone can donate that kind of time. Efforts are made to keep shifts to four hours, but with a shortage of volunteers, some people are working the same table all day.
“If you commit, then you commit,” says Marshall. “It’s such a little thing to give, really, and it’s quite pleasant.”
Many retail businesses, restaurants and coffee shops help out by putting out trays with poppies and tins to collect donations, but some feel it’s too much responsibility.
For now, the Royal Canadian Legion is hoping more people will recognize the importance of the poppy campaign and consider volunteering their time.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ron Shaw
