Volunteers and businesses around the southwest took part in handing out free poppies for folks to wear last fall leading up to Remembrance Day; while the signature flowers themselves are free for everyone, donations are always graciously accepted. 

Running from the last Friday in October to November 11, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56 received a total of $30,208.40 in donations during their 2022 Poppy Campaign. 

John Griffin, public relations officer for Branch 56, extended a thank you to everyone who helped make the campaign a success. 

"The bread and butter of the campaign is our volunteers who take the time to man the poppy stations," he said. "I'm sure you've seen them around Swift Current, at the mall, sometimes in front of Safeway, a couple at the liquor store--throughout our community. The volunteers who man our poppy stations, the cadets who do that as well, and businesses in our community; this wouldn't happen without them."

While they're not sure exactly what the funds will go towards yet, donations are used to directly support veterans and their families within the community, and ensure Canadian's never forget the service and sacrifices made by them.

"The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56 would very much like to thank all those who donated to this past year's campaign," Griffin added. "And we would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make it a success [and spend] all those hours manning the poppy trays."