THE EDITOR,
It's that time of year when the poppies are being sold. Of course, one can just rifle through the junk drawer in the kitchen and find the poppy from last year, what's the harm?
Most folks don't even know what the Legion does. Would it surprise you to know the Legion participates in many programs supporting youth? In fact 25 per cent of Canada's Olympic athletes received some kind of support from the Legion in their athletic careers.
Nobody loathes war more than the men and woman who have seen the death and devastation first hand. The Legion runs programs to teach youth about the horror of war. It works with postsecondary education institutions to integrate veterans back into the education system.
The Legion also runs a house in the Victoria area for homeless veterans. The goal of the house is more than shelter; they work to get the vets back living in their own homes.
The Legion is there for those vets who return with injuries, both physical and mental. It provides assistance and when needed, cash. Veterans Affairs claims take time and frequently do not fully cover the needs of injured soldiers.
But money collected from poppy sales is special. It can only be spent to assist vets and their families. It cannot go to operating costs or any other program.
Sure dust off that old poppy and pin it on, but when you see a Legion collection box, think about where that money is going and remember what we asked of them and what they gave.
Scott Stewart Richmond
