Poppy Boxes Arrive in Oxford – Hardeman Marks Start of Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign

WOODSTOCK –As the Remembrance Day poppy campaign begins, today Rob Gable, 1st Vice President and Poppy Chair of the Woodstock Royal Canadian Legion Branch 55 delivered a poppy donation box to Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman for his Woodstock constituency office.

“This is an important time of year to recognize and honour the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have fought, with many making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy,” said Hardeman. “We should also remember and thank those who proudly serve our country in the Canadian Armed Forces, today.”

In 2014, Hardeman brought forward a motion to ensure that MPPs could have poppy donation boxes in their constituency offices. Previously, the Members Integrity Act was interpreted so that MPPs should not have donation boxes in their offices for any charity, including the Royal Canadian Legion. The Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign runs from the last Friday in October to Remembrance Day, November 11th. During this time, they distribute over 18 million poppies and raise $14 million to help veterans.

“From now until Remembrance Day, please take a moment to buy a poppy, wear it proudly and on the 11th, take part in a Remembrance service,” said Hardeman. “So many have given their lives protecting our rights and freedoms. Lest we forget.”

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For more information, contact:
Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford
(519) 537-5222