Sea of red poppies crop up in Scugog

SCUGOG -- With Remembrance Day less than a week away, a small smile creeps across Lucy Wilson's face as a sea of red poppies begins to crop up on jackets and sweaters across Scugog.

The ubiquitous symbol of Nov. 11, the poppies are not only a reminder of the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers from past conflicts, but donations collected during the annual poppy campaign also serve to assist the veterans who remain and their families, points out Ms. Wilson, president of the Port Perry Royal Canadian Legion.

In 2008, the local Legion ordered 14,000 poppies and garnered about $26,000 in donations from the community. This year, the Bay Street Legion has placed an order for 20,000 of the popular poppies.

"All the money we raise stays here in Scugog, it all stays here," stresses Ms. Wilson, a 17-year Legion veteran.

And, besides aiding the 100 or so local veterans who remain in Scugog and their families, the funds can also be used to assist the Port Perry Cadets and purchase much-needed equipment for the Port Perry hospital.

"It's important to us that the money stays here in the community to help," says the president.

The 2009 campaign began on Oct. 30 (always the last Friday of October) and will run to Nov. 11. The fundraising flower can be found at most stores in Scugog and can be picked up from a dedicated group of volunteers who have taken the time this year to donate a few hours to the cause.

However, the number in that group seems to be dwindling -- a fact that has become a bone of contention with Ms. Wilson, who has no problem calling out her Legion colleagues on their apparent lack of interest.

"We still haven't gotten a big percentage of members helping out. It's part of their initiation when they join the Legion -- they say they'll take part in the poppy campaign. We're doing it to help the vets, we're not doing it for ourselves," says the president.

"We have 40 volunteers on the (volunteer scheduling board) and there could be a lot more than that," she adds.

In turn, Ms. Wilson is turning to the community for some help. Anyone is welcome to participate in the poppy campaign, even young students as long as they're accompanied by an adult. The poppy campaign usually runs from about 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, with volunteers working two-hour shifts.

Remembrance Day, continues Ms. Wilson, is always a special time at the Port Perry Legion. Not only does it pay tribute to those who fought for Canada's freedom, but it also shines the spotlight on the Legion and its activities.

"It's the one time of year we can wear a red poppy and say, 'I remember, I'm thinking of them'," says Ms. Wilson. "And (the poppy) is also the symbol of the Royal Canadian Legion -- it's what we do."

As for Remembrance Day ceremonies in Scugog, the Legion will host gatherings at the municipal office, 181 Perry St., in Port Perry, and in Blackstock.

In Port Perry, a colour party parade will begin its trek from the Palmer Park parking lot by the new splash pad starting at 10:30 a.m. From there, it will wind its way north on Water Street and west on Queen Street before turning north again on Perry Street to the cenotaph. A moment of silence will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

A smaller ceremony will also be held in Blackstock at 11 a.m., at the cenotaph by the intersection of Old Scugog Road and Church Street.

For more information on the ceremonies or poppy campaign, or to volunteer, call 905-985-8502.