For the past 90 years, one of the strongest symbols of the Royal Canadian Legion has been the poppy. Every year volunteers spread throughout the community collecting donations for poppies, to be worn until Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

One of those volunteers is Grade 10 Belmont student Matthew Brabant, a member of the 848 Royal Roads Air Cadet Squadron. Brabant was the recipient of this yearB次元官网网址檚 first poppy at a ceremony outside of the Langford Legion last Friday at 11 a.m.

While raindrops pelted onlookers and the poppy campaignB次元官网网址檚 flag was raised, Brabant received the first poppy, a symbol of sacrifices not to be forgotten. That moment officially marked the beginning of this yearB次元官网网址檚 campaign.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an honour,B次元官网网址� Brabant said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 pretty cool.B次元官网网址�

The LegionB次元官网网址檚 Prince Edward Branch 91 in Langford has struggled to find others to sell poppies.

B次元官网网址淥ur biggest issue is volunteers,B次元官网网址� said branch president Norm Scott. B次元官网网址淪o far this year weB次元官网网址檙e suffering. All weB次元官网网址檙e asking for is two hours from someone. YouB次元官网网址檇 be helping veterans and families in need and youth in our community.B次元官网网址�

Each year Branch 91 tries to increase public contributions. Last yearB次元官网网址檚 poppy campaign raised about $78,000, all of which stayed in the community.

B次元官网网址淲e always rely on volunteers to match the previous year,B次元官网网址� added Ervin Kobialko, who oversees the campaign. To volunteer as a poppy seller, call 250-478-9812.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com