The Royal Canadian Legion’s 2026 National Poppy Campaign runs Oct. 24 to Nov. 11, raising funds to support veterans and their families.
Millions of Canadians wear poppies during the campaign to remember those who sacrificed for Canada’s freedoms.
Poppies are available free of charge. The Legion accepts donations to its Poppy Fund to help veterans and their families in need.
Inspired by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields,” the poppy was adopted in Canada in 1921 by the Great War Veterans’ Association, a predecessor of the Royal Canadian Legion. It remains a symbol of remembrance for Canada’s fallen.
Where to pick up a poppy
Pick up a poppy at one of the following locations, which are national partners of the Poppy Campaign:
- Canada Post
- CIBC
- Real Canadian Superstore
- Scotiabank
- Shoppers Drug Mart & Pharmaprix
- Walmart
Alternatively, contact your local Legion Branch below:
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 Cranbrook
Address: 803 Cranbrook Street N, Cranbrook.
Phone Number: 250-426-8531
Email Address: rcladmin@shaw.ca
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #36 Fernie
Address: 551 1st Avenue, Fernie.
Phone Number: (250) 423-6218
Email Address: RCLBR36@shaw.ca
How donations are used
The Legion says Poppy Fund donations provide financial assistance and support to Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP veterans and their families in need. Funds may be used for:
- Grants for food, heating, clothing, prescriptions, medical equipment, essential home repairs and emergency shelter or assistance.
- Housing and care facilities for veterans.
- Transition programs addressing veterans’ and families’ training, education and support needs.
- Comfort items for hospitalized veterans and surviving spouses in need.
- Visits, transportation and day trips for veterans.
- Accessibility modifications for veterans with disabilities.
- Educational bursaries for veterans’ children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
- Support for cadet units.
- Community drop-in centres and services benefiting veterans.
- Community medical equipment, training and research that assist veterans’ care.
- Legion Command and Branch Service Officers’ work assisting and representing veterans across Canada.
- Relief for veterans affected by federally or provincially declared disasters.
- Promotion and administration of remembrance activities honouring veterans’ sacrifices.
You can also donate online at legion.ca/donations
More information about the Poppy Campaign can be found here.
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