Poppy campaign surges past goal

“It’s always good to win, and I certainly feel like we’re winners in this.”

The money raised goes specifically to the Poppy Trust Fund. McIntosh said it will go directly to the needs of veterans and their dependents.

“So, if a veteran is needing assistance with covering rent, groceries, medications, they’re struggling, we will step in and provide assistance,” she explained. “And those funds also extend to the dependents. Further funds can be used for medical equipment in places where our veterans reside or are cared for.

“We can use funds to support cadet activity. We also use those funds to support the service bureau, which is an arm of the Legion that connects to Veterans Affairs, to ensure that veterans are receiving the benefits that they’re entitled to.”

She added these are needs that aren’t going away.

“We see more and more veterans that have needs that aren’t being met somewhere else. Usually, that’s a need to get connected to resources, get some long-term support for them that helps them get back on their feet,” McIntosh said.

The campaign is distinct from the ongoing operation of the Legion. Cormican said branch fundraisers support programs like Cadets and membership activities. He added membership has grown in the last couple of years to around 1,000 members.

by Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Poppy campaign surges past goal

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