This year's Royal Canadian Legion National Poppy Campaign is officially underway.
Past President of the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 Les Jones said the poppy has been an emblem of remembrance in Canada since 1921.
"The poppy is a symbol of remembrance," said Jones. "To remember those men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of Canada over the years."
He said funds raised from the annual campaign will benefit local veterans as well as veterans across Ontario.
Jones said since 2009, the Homeless Veterans Fund has assisted 1,136 homeless or near homeless veterans across the province.
"People think that because the Second World War is over that there's not a need, but Canada currently has over 460,000 veterans," said Jones. "They're not all in need, but we do have a whole new generation of veterans. There's 40,000 Canadians that did serve in Afghanistan so there's definitely a need and there will continue to be a need to assist our veterans."
Jones said traditional poppy boxes are now available at several businesses across the community.
In 2022, the Legion began distributing new biodegradable poppies and wreaths to reduce its environmental footprint.
