COCHRANE— Marking the start of the Remembrance Day season, the Cochrane Royal Canadian Legion Branch 15 has begun their poppy drive with the first Cochrane poppy being presented to Councilor Marni Fedeyko.
On Thursday (Oct. 22) Cochrane Legion president and District 5 Commander Karen Bruens and veteran and Legion service officer Debra Mayfield were at the Cochrane RancheHouse to officially hand out the first Remembrance Day poppy of 2020 in Cochrane.
“We wanted to get it out to the public before the campaign starts as kind of a kick-off,” Bruens said. “The Town has been very, very good to the Legion and so it’s kind of a two-way street.”
The Poppy Campaign officially begins on Friday (Oct. 30), but poppies will be an available community-wide in Cochrane starting on Monday (Oct. 26).
“This is our time of year to wave our flag,” Mayfield said.
Fedeyko said it was an honour to receive the first poppy on behalf of the Town of Cochrane.
“It is huge— Not only as a member representing the Town but also just personally remembering what our military personal both past and present have done for freedoms in our country,” Fedeyko said. “It is a huge thing to be a part of.”
Fedeyko said she will be honouring Remembrance Day this year in whatever way COVID-19 allows. She will be remembering on her own and ensuring she teaches her children the importance of veterans in the country through discussions and attending a ceremony if possible.
“It’s important to keep that conversation alive and let them know even though it not that long ago we have to take our freedom very seriously and appreciate what we have,” Fedeyko said.
The Legion began distributing poppies early in Cochrane, she added, because they have fewer volunteers this year due to COVID-19 and want to ensure they can cover all communities.
For almost 100 years the poppy has served as a symbol of remembrance, Mayfield said, with the inspiration for the symbol dating back to the poem In Flanders Field written by Canadian First World War medical officer Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915.
“That short poem is enshrined in the hearts and minds of all who wear the poppy,” Mayfield said.
Starting in the last week of October each year the Royal Canadian Legion provides Canadians with the opportunity to honour and remember the countries veterans and their sacrifices, deeds and accomplishments by wearing the poppy.
Each year through the Poppy Campaign millions of poppies are distributed across Canada and to those in service abroad.
Donations collected during the campaign are held in trust at local branches with the funds going directly back to the local community to support veterans and their families, Mayfield said.
Bruens added the local Cochrane Legion has been able to assist veterans in nursing homes by helping access therapeutic equipment, providing aid for those seeking mental health support, providing food security, sharing scholarships and offering other forms of assistance, to veterans and their families.
Due to COVID-19 the Legion will not be able to carry out the Poppy Campaign in a traditional manner, Bruens said, but they have been working to conquer the hurdles they encounter.
“We know this is going to be a different and challenging year for the Poppy Campaign,” Bruens said. “It’s been a hard year for all Canadians, and many are struggling financially and/or emotionally.”
The Legion like many in the community has faced a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. The virus is impacting people's ability to volunteer, while also leaving a financial and emotional impact on veterans.
Some veterans are struggling financially with proper housing, getting the right medical support and their day-to-day well-being has been affected, she said, and this experience spans across generations.
Bruens noted the Legion is hoping to share a message with veterans that when they visit the organization and speak with the service officer it is a completely confidential experience. She added veterans do not need to be a member of the Legion to speak with a service officer.
Their goal this year is to connect with as many veterans as possible in the Cochrane area.
“The Legion is there for the veterans and they need to know that— Cochrane especially is there for our veterans,” Bruens said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a Second World War veteran or from what conflict you came from, or even if you are still a serving member and need someone that has been where you’ve been to talk to.”
Mayfield noted the Cochrane Legion and Legions across the country have been struggling to keep their doors open during COVID-19.
Bruens said they have worked hard to “fast track into the 21st century” and will accept Poppy Campaign donations through their website cochranelegion15.ca. Donations made to the Cochrane Legion website ensure all funds stay in the local community. Traditional poppy boxes will also be available.
“If you’re not comfortable with interfacing and you still want to make sure that you still get your contribution out there then go to the page,” Mayfield said.
One new initiative to raise donations during the Poppy Campaign takes place on Saturday (Oct. 31) and Saturday (Nov. 7) between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Legion will be hosting the Pop Up Poppy campaign where people will be able to drive or walk through to make a donation and pick up a poppy.
“You can say hello to one of the local veterans or those persons who keep the Legion going,” Mayfield said.
To volunteer for this year’s Poppy Campaign call the Cochrane Legion at 403-932-2011 to learn about different opportunities.
