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Richmond Poppy Fund continues commitment to local health care

Each year, Canadians remember those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty to protect our freedom and liberty.
Poppy Fund

Each year, Canadians remember those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty to protect our freedom and liberty. As a former member of the armed services, Matthew McBride, coordinator of resources for the Richmond Poppy Fund and organizer of the Richmond Remembrance Day parade, believes it’s important to remember those who lost their lives in combat and those who suffer afterwards.

“Over 117,000 Canadians lost their lives and many more veterans were lost after their service due to physical or mental illness,” says McBride.

While it is a time of remembrance and mourning, McBride also sees it as an opportunity to bring all citizens of a community together.

“What’s great about Richmond is that every year, we have more and more high school students who want to stand outside and hand out poppies. It can be difficult to find anyone that will want to volunteer their time on a wet and cold Saturday morning, and we are incredibly grateful for this gesture. It’s what makes this community so special.”

The Richmond Poppy Fund has always believed it is their duty to use a portion of the funds they raise to benefit not only Veterans but also their families and the community that it proudly serves. Richmond Hospital has long been a beneficiary of the Richmond Poppy Fund’s generosity.

“We’ve been long-time supporters of the Richmond Hospital because we begin our lives here, we come back during the course of our lives for maintenance and checkups, and we ultimately, end our lives here. Every community needs great health care to take care of its citizens throughout their lives,” says McBride.

McBride, a resident of Steveston, believes that everyone in Richmond needs to take an active role to improve local health care for a stronger, healthier future. “We need new equipment and new infrastructure at the hospital and everyone in this community has to play a part in making that happen.”

Poppies are available by donation at various locations throughout Richmond, including all major malls, liquor stores, and at Richmond Hospital.