19 million poppies already sold in Canada ahead of Remembrance Day 2014
There is a poppy shortage in some parts of Canada, thanks to record-breaking sales across the country.
According to the CBC, 19 million poppies were already distributed as of Thursday, just days before Remembrance Day. At this time last year, the annual poppy campaign sold 18 million units.
The Royal Canadian Legion is currently aiming to distribute 35 million poppies, enough for every single Canadian. Demand for poppies is at its highest since 1922 when poppies were first introduced in Canada as a symbol for remembering fallen soldiers.
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The spike in poppy sales were likely caused by the recent homegrown terrorist attacks in Ottawa and Quebec, which resulted in the deaths of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.
This year is also marked by Canada’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, its entry into the Iraq conflict against ISIS, and the 100th anniversary to the start of the First World War.
All proceeds from the annual poppy campaign go towards a trust that directly supports veterans and their families. The Legion says their campaign in 2013 raised more than $14-million, and it is expected that they will far exceed that amount for this year.
Feature Image: Poppy via Shutterstock
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