Video by Nika Petrosian
StoryMap by Marissa Gatto
By Ana Leal Cornejo
The Royal Canadian Legion has partnered up with HSBC banks across Canada to bring touch-free donation boxes to this year’s Poppy Campaign.
According to Nujma Bond, manager of communications for The Royal Canadian Legion, “Pay Tribute” boxes have been incorporated this year into fundraising in response to restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a tap and pay solution for donating to the National Poppy Campaign – it complements the 25,000 traditional poppy boxes that will be in locations across the country this year. There will be 250 Pay Tribute boxes in most HSBC Bank Canada branches and some test locations in Legion Branches in Ontario as well as in a few retailers.” said Bond.
Local legion branches have also adjusted to the pandemic as their traditional fundraising methods might expose their volunteers and staff to the virus. Mississauga Legion branch spokesperson, Alice Dods said that while in previous years between 15 and 20 boy scouts, girl guides and cadets had volunteered for the Poppy Campaign, only seven volunteers were sent out this year.
The Legion website contains detailed information regarding which retailers and branches across Canada will have the Pay Tribute boxes, traditional poppy boxes or scheduled volunteers.
Online community doing their part for Remembrance Day
The popular online marketplace Etsy has given people across North America an opportunity to use their skills and talents to give back to veterans in a pandemic-friendly way as well.
“It occurred to me that no one caries cash anymore and how that might affect the poppy campaign…I contacted the Royal Canadian Legion and asked permission to use the trademarked poppy and slogan,” said Calinda Wilson who sells face masks featuring the signature poppy through her Etsy store, WendesignCA.
Wilson donates 100 per cent of proceeds to the Royal Canadian Legion.
Like Wilson, many are doing their part to support the Poppy Campaign and veterans in a safe way during the pandemic.
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