Orléans Legion 632 kicked off their annual Poppy Campaign on Friday with a special ceremony at the Walmart store on Innes Road.
The ceremony was attended by Orléans Legion president Wyn Fournier, Poppy Campaign chairman Richard Guitar, Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde, Orléans MPP Stephen Blais and city councillors Laura Dudas, Catherine Kitts and Matt Luloff, who is himself a veteran of the Afghan War.
The job of pinning the first poppy on Marie-France Lalonde was given to Fournier.
More than $120,000 was raised through individual donations in Orléans last year through individual donation boxes in area busines and Poppy Campaign tables that are manned by volunteers at the Walmart store in Orléans, the Canadian Tire store, both east end Costco stores, Metro Convent Glen, the Great Canadian Superstore on Innes Road, Home Depot and Place d’Orléans.
Funds raised by the local Poppy Campaign directly support the following initiatives...
• Programs and assistance for Veterans and serving military in need, and their families
• Medical training and research, and provide community medical appliances to assist in the care of Veterans
• Services through the Canadian Military Family Resource centres
• Housing and care facilities for elderly, disabled and homeless Veterans
• Bursaries for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren
• Veterans’ Drop-in Centres and meals-on-wheels programs
• Sponsorship of cadet and youth programs.
ORLÉANS FARMERS’ MARKET from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Orléans Town Centre Plaza, 290 Centrum Blvd. Browse 130+ local vendors, grab a bite, and discover amazing handmade and local finds. Plenty of parking available.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION
MILLENNIUM PARK BBQ hosted by Orléans South-Navan councillor Catherine Kitts and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe from 1-3 p.m. with live music and entertainment by children’s performers Monkey Rock Music, a free BBQ, and tons of family fun.
