"Too early" to say how poppy campaign will fare amid pandemic: Royal Canadian Legion

Remembrance Day will look different this year. Many businesses have either closed or decided against displaying poppy trays in their stores. While volunteers are still out to take donations for the poppies, the cadets have decided to withdraw from the event this year.

Royal Canadian Legion Communications Manage Nujma Bond told Daily Hive that “it’s too early to know how this year’s campaign will do” but that the organization is “so appreciative of donations that have already come in.”

In a typical year, Bond said, “close to $20 million” is donated to the campaign each year. Across the country, some regions and branches have set up additional donation methods such as e-transfer or text-to-donate. People can donate online and can do so in the name of an individual and send them an e-card.

In a statement to Daily Hive from Legion BC/Yukon, a representative said that they “are anticipating that Canadians will be as generous as they usually are, and we’re hopeful that Canadians will have a successful campaign.” 

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The Royal Canadian Legion has also partnered with HSBC Bank Canada to offer touchless HSBC “Pay Tribute” tap-enabled donation boxes.

With the many payment options now available to Canadians, HSBC said it worked with technology partners to ensure the program is on trend with the latest digital solutions, whether it be through tap-enabled credit cards or mobile and wearable options like Apple Pay.

Canadians can make an optional donation of $2 by placing their tap-enabled card or tap-and-pay technology device on the glowing poppy, and take a poppy to wear. The boxes themselves have “been thoughtfully designed as a reflection of their solemn inspirations,” according to those behind the campaign.