Wreaths are laid during a Remembrance Day ceremony. (CREDIT: Skye Bryden-Blom)
The annual Poppy Campaign is underway in Bridgewater, marking the start of the Remembrance season and an important opportunity for residents to support veterans and their families.
Dan Hennessey, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24, says this year’s campaign began Thursday and will run until Remembrance Day on November 11.
“It’s an accelerated campaign this year,” Hennessey explained, “We really only have two full weekends and the week in between, so we’re trying to make every day count.”
Poppies and other Remembrance merchandise are available at three locations in Bridgewater — the South Shore Centre, the Superstore, and the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission — with volunteers from the Legion, cadet corps, and the Bridgewater Fire Department helping to staff tables.
Hennessey emphasized that the campaign’s success depends on community participation. “We have about 450 members in our branch, but we’re always looking for help,” he said. “It’s just a two-hour shift, and we’d love to see more people step up. Even our 91-year-old Korean War veteran, Bob Henderson, works a four-hour shift — it’s truly a team effort.”
All donations from the campaign go directly toward supporting veterans and their families in need.
