The Canadian poppy flag was hoisted high over Victoria city hall on Friday morning, officially launching the 2019 Poppy Campaign.
Shortly before this, Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps received the first poppy from Angus Stanfield, chair of the Victoria Remembrance Day Committee.
“For me it’s always a really moving event as is Nov. 11, to remember not only those who have served but those who are overseas serving and working for peace,” Helps said.
The Poppy Campaign is officially on! Today Angus Stanfield, chair of the Victoria Remembrance Day Committee, pinned the first Poppy on Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps #yyj #RemembranceDay #poppycampaign @VictoriaNews pic.twitter.com/JK1ejFJsps
— Nicole Crescenzi (@NicoleCrescenzi) October 25, 2019
In addition to supporting the poppy campaign, for the 100th anniversary of Remembrance Day the City of Victoria will also unveil a series of new memorial plaques along Shelbourne Street, to match some already existing on the Saanich side of the street. The plaques will be unveiled on Nov. 8.
“It’s a significant thoroughfare to remember and mark the service of veterans, not only on Nov. 11 but all year round,” Helps said.
Funds raised from poppy sales help Canadian veterans in efforts such as hospital upgrades, health care needs, helping homeless veterans and training service dogs. In 2018, approximately $23 million was raised by Canadians for veterans.
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“Canadians are very generous and very supportive at this time of year. I think it is important on this one day, Nov. 11, for two minutes to pause and reflect on what the cost has been,” Stanfield said. “It’s a terrible price to pay, and a lot who came home didn’t come home whole. There’s a lot of injuries, and not all of them are visible.”
Poppies will now be available by donation throughout the city until Nov. 11.
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