Digital poppies another way for Ottawans to show support for Canada’s veterans

There is more than one way to show support for Canada’s veterans this Remembrance Day, and The Legion National Foundation is ready to help Canadians help those who fought for our country.

For those who haven’t had time to pick up a traditional poppy at one of the poppy donation boxes found scattered throughout Ottawa, there’s always the option of purchasing a digital poppy, Sam Laprade, director of development at the foundation, pointed out.

Laprade, who usually hosts The Sam Laprade Show on CityNews, explained that the annual digital event through the foundation is not only a great way for Canadians to show their support by dawning a poppy anywhere online, but the money raised goes towards tangible projects that help veterans across the country.

“It’s a great way for Canadians to show the way that they’re thinking about veterans in a digital way. So, a lot of people will show their digital poppy on Facebook, Twitter or Facebook or any digital channels and email sign offs as well. It’s a great way to really honour somebody. You can do a dedication through that. And all that money has a national impact.”

That money, Laprade said, has both a local and national impact.

The first chunk of money — $200,000 — is given to a local organization, then $100,000 of the money raised is given to an organization in B.C. that supports homeless veterans and $25,000 to Ottawa’s Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre and one of its programs that cares for veterans and conducts research into frailty in veterans and seniors.

But there are more ways to show your support and raise money for Canada’s — and Ottawa’s — veterans.

Donation gifts can be made directly online at the foundation’s website or the Royal Canadian Legion’s website, by picking up a traditional poppy at one of the poppy donations boxes in the city or a donation can be made directly to a local Legion branch.

“It’s really amazing to see how people step up this time of year.”

For more information, visit the foundation’s website or the Royal Canadian Legion’s website.