The first Poppy in Saskatoon was handed out Friday, to kick off the first phase of remembrance in the city.
Chair of the Remembrance Day committee Brent Wignes says the next phase will be the declaration of Veteran’s week in Saskatoon. As a special token of remembrance to veterans the Poppy Flag will be flying on the week of November 8th to the 15th for Veteran’s week. With the COVID-19 pandemic Wignes says a physical Remembrance Day service is not possible. A virtual service will be held on Remembrance Day, with links at SaskatoonRemembers.ca
Poppy Drive-Thru
A poppy drive-thru will be held this weekend to continue Saskatoon’s annual Poppy Campaign. Diane Robson, Chair of the Saskatoon Poppy Campaign says with the cadet core unable to go out into the city because of the pandemic, they came up with the idea of a drive-thru. Residents will be able to utilize drive-thrus at Legion branches, to get their poppies and provide donations.
The drive-thru will take place in four locations in Saskatoon on Saturday from 11am -3pm including:
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch #63 – 6060 Spadina Crescent West
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch #362 – 3021 Louise Street East
- TVS Branch #78 – 5 Hangar Road
- ANAVETS #38 – 359 1st Avenue North
Robson says the rest of the campaign, which will run up to November 11th will also look a bit different. Usually there are close to 30 Legionnaire tables at malls and grocery stores but this year only 10 will be operational to help provide physical distancing. Robson says their poppy routes, the poppy tubs delivered to businesses like gas stations and restaurants, will still be operational. She says around 1000 businesses will be participating in Saskatoon this year.
Robson says the Saskatoon Aviation Museum will hold a visual “Canada Remembers” Memorial display that people can drive by. The display will be available until November 12th.
Robson says they’re trying to get poppies out to the public anyway they can, so people can honour veterans and show that they remember. That’s why they’ve also created a new website SaskatoonPoppyFund.com so people can find out what they do in the community to help veterans and people can donate to show their support.
