The Royal Canadian LegionB次元官网网址檚 2014 poppy campaign kicks off today (Oct. 31), with volunteers getting out into the community and gathering donations until Nov. 10 to support veterans in need.

But with the campaign a full six days shorter than last yearB次元官网网址檚, thereB次元官网网址檚 some worry locally that the funds raised might fall short.

B次元官网网址淭hose six days last year raised $20,000,B次元官网网址� says Norm Scott, chairman of the West Shore Poppy Fund. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 huge, and that leaves us open to the possibility that weB次元官网网址檒l be $20,000 less this year.B次元官网网址�

The campaign raised $75,000 in total last year, which goes to supporting veterans in need, youth and seniorsB次元官网网址� services, the air and sea cadets, Alexander Mackie Lodge retirement lodge and many other community services, including supplying mobility aids.

B次元官网网址淚f a guy needs a wheelchair and canB次元官网网址檛 afford it, we can help out with that,B次元官网网址� says Rob Lumb, a Langford Legion member who served in the air force.

B次元官网网址淓very year is different. You never know whatB次元官网网址檚 going to come down the pipe,B次元官网网址� adds Scott, reflecting that B次元官网网址渋tB次元官网网址檚 harder and harder for (veterans) to survive in this day and age.B次元官网网址�

With the shorter fundraising window, poppy fund organizers are desperately seeking more volunteers to make sure the donations donB次元官网网址檛 fall short this year. The schedules for the two-hour volunteering shifts are tacked up to a cork board in the Legion, with all too many days still empty of names.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檇 like to see if we can get another 100 volunteers,B次元官网网址� says Scott. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e got people taking two or three shifts already. ThereB次元官网网址檚 just not enough people.B次元官网网址�

The shifts are a mix of indoor and outdoor spots, and some have a chair or stool on location for volunteers to rest their feet. Scott also noted that if a volunteer is in the military, they donB次元官网网址檛 need to wear their uniform.

As well as helping those less fortunate, the yearly campaign means a lot to the members at the Legion who participate and volunteer.

B次元官网网址淚t gives me an opportunity to give back to my fellow veterans,B次元官网网址� Lumb says. B次元官网网址淎nd itB次元官网网址檚 in remembrance of my father.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 clear and simple,B次元官网网址� adds Scott. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e here to help the veterans.B次元官网网址�

For more information on donating or veteransB次元官网网址� assistance, call 250-478-9812.

acowan@goldstreamgazette.com