Vimy Veterans Launch Urgent Poppy Campaign at Covent Garden

UPDATE: The 2025 poppy campaign is officially underway as members of the Vimy Branch #145 set up a vital fundraising table inside Covent Garden Market on Saturday. This urgent initiative not only aims to raise funds for veterans but also to educate the public about the significance of poppies.

Bruce Stock, a dedicated member of Vimy Branch #145, emphasized the importance of this campaign. “It gives us a chance to explain to the public why poppies and the funds that they raise are so important,” he stated. The funds collected will assist veterans in various critical areas, including purchasing hospital equipment, supporting army cadets, and aiding veterans facing medical issues, rent, or food insecurity.

One of the highlighted causes is funding service dogs, which are becoming increasingly essential yet costly. “They are one of the more expensive causes,” Stock noted. “Not only do you have to purchase the animal, but you have training.” This financial burden underscores the urgent need for community support.

Dan Gass, another member of the Vimy Branch, shared an eye-opening experience from Friday. “We had three young ladies come in and asked us what this was about. They had no idea that we were here remembering veterans,” he recounted. Gass stressed the importance of educating newcomers to Canada about the significance of Remembrance Day as the nation loses veterans each year. “We’re getting a lot of immigrants coming from other countries and they need to be educated as to why this is important to us,” he added.

The poppy campaign has a clear and urgent mission: “We want to make money so that we can help veterans,” Gass affirmed. As the campaign progresses, the Vimy Branch is calling on the community to participate, not just in donations but in spreading awareness about the sacrifices made by veterans.

With public support, the Vimy veterans hope to make a lasting impact this year. The campaign is not just about raising funds; it’s about ensuring that the legacy of those who served is remembered and honored.

As the poppy campaign gains momentum, community members are encouraged to visit the table at Covent Garden Market and learn more about how they can contribute to this essential cause. Now is the time to act—support our veterans and keep their memory alive.