Kincardine Legion poppy campaign begins Oct. 27

The Kincardine Legion's annual poppy campaign begins Oct. 27.

Robert Fletcher (above) of the Legion was at the Kincardine council meeting Wednesday night (Oct. 18), during the public forum session, to remind people of the campaign and urge everyone to wear a poppy leading up to Remembrance Day, Nov. 11.

"Most citizens will receive an envelope in the mail, containing a poppy and information for making a donation," said Fletcher. "Poppies will also be available at storefront locations and at the Legion."

He told council that the money from the poppy fund does not go to support the local Legion. It is used for community programs, to support veterans and their families, for medical equipment, and for youth programs such as the Air Cadets.

In fact, money from the poppy fund is going toward programs to help stop the rash of suicides among Canadian soldiers returning from battle, said Fletcher.

"There have been 54 suicides reported among Canadian soldiers, since 2014," he said, "but it's probably more like 100, given the many that go unreported. Soldiers returning from the War in Afghanistan are suffering terrible mental scars, resulting in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Veterans Affairs and the Department of National Defence are working with the Legion to try and help these veterans."

He said a promising method is a therapeutic dog program.

"These dogs do marvellous work," said Fletcher. "They can calm down sufferers of PTSD and change their whole frame of mind. The Legion can help purchase these dogs so they can be trained and be teamed up with those in need."