The Legion is launching its poppy campaign early. Here's what to know

National Post
The Royal Canadian Legion's poppy campaign is starting Oct. 24, about a week earlier than normal.

Well before last week’s tragedy at CFB Wainwright in Alberta, the Royal Canadian Legion had already decided this year’s national poppy campaign would begin earlier than it traditionally has.

But now, with four more brave soldiers killed during training exercises at the Canadian Armed Forces base, Canadians should have even more reason to wear a poppy in honour of the country’s fallen service members this Remembrance Day.

Monday morning in Ottawa, attendees at the presentation of the first official poppy to Governor General Louise Arbour held a moment of silence for the four men and their scores of injured comrades.

“As we prepare to enter this year’s Poppy Campaign, this moment was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country,” the Legion wrote on its social media channels.

“Our hearts are with the families, loved ones and military community affected by this tragedy. We Will Remember Them.”

Here’s what to know about the 2026 poppy campaign.

Why is the Royal Canadian Legion starting this year’s poppy campaign early?

Before this year, the Legion adhered to a Canadian Armed Forces dress protocol that the poppy be affixed to uniforms starting the last Friday in October.

It was moved to Oct. 24 to “give more Canadians the opportunity to wear a Poppy, provide more time to raise funds in support of Veterans and their families, and make it easier for businesses, schools and community organizations to plan their participation,” the Legion wrote on social media last month.

The Canadian Armed Forces, meanwhile, announced last week that it would follow the Legion’s lead and require members to start wearing poppies on their uniforms as of Saturday.

“The October 24 start date will provide a consistent national period for remembrance activities in support of Veterans and their families,” the CAF wrote on Oct. 14.

What else is new about this year’s poppy campaign?

Aligning with the campaign’s Saturday start, the Legion will also launch the Don’t Forget to Remember initiative to mark its centenary this year.

It will include “the unveiling of a signature stand-alone display in Toronto’s Union Station, with other billboard and vertical versions circulating nationwide.”

“That same day, the Legion will unveil new technology in Canada — the first of its kind in a national fundraising campaign — which will facilitate a revolutionary and extremely convenient donation method.”

National Post has contacted the Legion for additional comment.

Where does my poppy donation go?

While poppies are technically free, donations are welcomed and valued.

The money goes to a trust fund for the Legion in the area where the donation was made. That fund supports veterans, CAF and RCMP members and their families through financial aid, housing, healthcare, transition programs, education, accessibility, community services, disaster relief and Remembrance activities.

“Branch executives are accountable for Poppy Fund expenditures and are required to inform the public through local media of the results of their campaign, including contributions received and disposition of funds,” the Legion explains online.

Canadians can also donate to the National Poppy Fund online to help fund national programs and supports for veterans and their families.

The Legion says the national campaign generates close to $20 million annually.

Where can I get a poppy?

Like any year, it won’t be hard to find a poppy in Canada.

The Legion identified 29 major companies — mostly retailers and banks — collectively hosting thousands of poppy boxes, including Starbucks, which “will again collect local donations through point-of-sale systems,” and TD Bank, which will distribute poppies at all its Canadian branches.

RBC is also bringing back more than 2,000 of its Pay Tribute tap-enabled boxes “that enable Canadians to donate $5 with a simple tap of a payment card (credit or debit), or through their digital wallet on their mobile and wearable devices.”

Last year, Pay Tribute boxes like this brought in over $850,000 to the Royal Canadian Legion’s national poppy campaign.

Last year, those boxes alone brought in a record-setting $855,000, the Legion said.

Of course, poppies are also available at almost 1,400 Legion branches throughout Canada.

You can also get your poppy — and other Remembrance-related merchandise — at the Legion’s Poppy Store or its Amazon storefront.

The Royal Canadian Legion is on Amazon?

This marks the third year the Legion has partnered with the tech giant’s Canadian arm to sell poppies, with all proceeds supporting trust funds throughout Canada.

“People across our vast country can fulfill their wish to wear a Poppy, including where there are no Legion branches or it is more difficult to find one,” the Legion said.

Last year, more than 50,000 poppies were distributed this way, about double the amount in the inaugural year.

Shoppers can donate $5, $10 or $20 for a traditional poppy, or pick up a more permanent 24K gold-plated poppy pin for about $22 after taxes. (Shipping is extra if you’re not an Amazon Prime member.)

They also sell a variety of Remembrance Day lapel pins, magnets and lawn signs, along with scarves, headwear, cross-body bags, mugs, and tote bags bearing the iconic flower. Also on offer are poppy-shaped LED lights and 1,000-piece puzzles marking the Legion’s centenary.

All of the products are also available at The Poppy Store.

My poppy keeps falling off — how can I keep it on?

If you don’t mind spending a few more dollars at the Legion’s storefront, you can get a 10-pack of black butterfly pin centres for about $23 after taxes that prevent the poppy from falling off.

For those seeking a more frugal approach, there are other ways to secure the poppy.

As reported by National Post in 2019, some people have been known to stick a piece of pencil eraser or duct tape on the pointed end of the pin to keep it from falling out — and keep from getting stabbed by it. You can also bend the pin with a pair of pliers once inserted or better weave it into the fabric.

Some people swap the original pin for a safety pin, while others use a Canadian flag pin in the centre.

As for where the poppy is worn, the CAF has its own dress instructions on placement, but the Legion advises regular Canadians to wear it as close to the heart as possible on the left side of the chest.

The CAF has its own dress instructions on poppy placement.

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