The Poppy.
A familiar emblem that appears each year throughout the Commonwealth to commemorate Remembrance Day and honour members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Closer to home, thanks to the work of the Richmond Poppy Fund and its many supporters, the poppy carries the added significance of helping to fund equipment at Richmond Hospital to benefit veterans, their families and many other patients requiring care here in the community.
In Richmond, the Army, Navy and Air Force Unit 284 (Steveston) and Royal Canadian Legion (Bridgeport) Branch 291 jointly operate the Poppy Fund with 14 volunteer members. Each year, the Richmond Poppy Fund fundraising drive takes place with major assistance from the Army, Navy and Air Force Cadets between the latter part of October and November 11, Remembrance Day.
The Poppy Fund provides assistance to veterans and their families or other individuals in need. “We really appreciate people of Richmond for the support they give to the Poppy Fund,” says Bob Young, Chairman, Richmond Poppy Fund. “We’re very pleased to be able to help Richmond Hospital. If a need is identified, we’ll be there. What we need, in return, is the support of the people of Richmond.”
Born in Foxwarrren, Manitoba, Bob joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, in 1951, serving 30 years in successive positions—and in every province of Canada—while raising two children with his wife, Shirley. After retiring from the RCAF as a Master Warrant Officer, Bob moved with family to Richmond to take a position in communications with the RCMP in 1983. Putting down roots for the first time, Bob says the city is truly home. “I like pretty much everything about Richmond. This community has so much.”
As one of Richmond Hospital Foundation’s longstanding donors, over the years, the Richmond Poppy Fund has benefited the many veterans, other patients and their families here by helping to purchase much needed medical equipment including ventilators in the Intensive Care Unit to help patient breathe, minimally invasive surgical equipment for the operating rooms and a videoscope that allows a surgeon to quickly and easily find a viewing direction inside a patient’s body.
Having expert care nearby is something everyone in Richmond should value, say Bob.
“I have personally had occasions to use the services of Richmond Hospital. I found it excellent. Being able to access health care locally is so important. Without good health, there is so much you can’t do,” he says. “We’re quite lucky in Richmond to have the quality of doctors and nurses that we have here.”
