Royal Canadian Legion encouraged by membership growth as Remembrance Day approaches

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The national office of the Royal Canadian Legion has introduced several changes to its operations, and so far, the new initiatives are showing positive results.

“There are close to 20,000 traditional locations across the country where poppies are offered for donations. This year, we have also doubled the number of Pay Tribute Boxes – our tap-to-donate boxes,” said Nujma Bond, the Legion’s manager of communications.

“We now have about 2,300 of them across Canada, giving people the option to donate electronically. Even if they don’t have cash or change, they can still collect a poppy and support the Legion.”

Bond noted there was strong interest in the new donation method during the 2024 campaign, when just over 1,000 of the new boxes brought in more than $700,000 in contributions.

“Canadians are always incredibly generous, and we’re very thankful for that support,” she said. “All funds collected during this period go directly to the Poppy Trust Fund, which assists veterans and their families.”

In addition to the tribute boxes, the Legion has modernized further by partnering with one of the world’s largest online retailers.

“Last year, we launched an Amazon online storefront as a new way to reach Canadians who may live in rural areas or regions without a local Legion branch,” Bond said. “They can now obtain a lapel poppy for a donation online.”

The storefront also offers other Remembrance Day items such as hats, scarves and mittens, and so far, it has been a success.

“Last year, we reached over 7,000 different villages, towns and communities across Canada, many of them in rural areas without a Legion branch,” said Bond.

All poppy donations collected in a community stay local, ensuring direct support for nearby veterans. Nationally, the organization’s membership is healthy, though Bond acknowledged some branches occasionally struggle to find volunteers.

“We’ve seen year-over-year growth and now have 170,000 members nationwide,” she said. “With 1,350 branches, local challenges can arise from time to time. Finding enough volunteers is something we hear about regularly.”

Bond added new volunteers often bring fresh ideas, innovative programs and new energy to local branches.

“We hope people will consider joining the Legion. Through their membership, they directly support our veterans and all the work we do. They can also help with the poppy campaign by being active in their communities.”

This year, Canada will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the liberation of the Netherlands, a campaign in which Canadian forces played a crucial role. These anniversaries hold deep meaning for Canadians, especially veterans and their families, and the 2025 National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa will place special emphasis on these milestones.

“That will include re-enactments of the period with participants in authentic uniforms,” Bond said.

“We’ll also have a tribute flyover by CF-18 fighter jets and an appearance by an RCMP Black Hawk helicopter.”

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa. The remains in the tomb are those of an unidentified Canadian soldier who died in France during the First World War, near Vimy Ridge – one of Canada’s most significant battlefields. The tomb stands as a symbol of all Canadian service members who have no known grave.

“It has become a sacred and important site during the national service in Ottawa,” said Bond. “When the ceremony concludes, thousands of people come forward to place their lapel poppies on the tomb.”

Across the country, many Legion branches have launched Remembrance banner programs, including those in New Hamburg and Beachville. Some communities, such as Woodstock, have also installed Remembrance-themed crosswalks.

“It’s another way to visually honour our veterans and thank them throughout the year,” Bond said. “That’s been a goal of the Legion for several years – encouraging Canadians to reflect on the sacrifices that made our freedoms possible. Seeing that remembrance expressed year-round through crosswalks, banners and local initiatives is very meaningful.”

The Legion has also created a Remembrance Day ceremony resource for teachers, which can be adapted for schools or workplaces.

“If people can’t attend a ceremony at a cenotaph on November 11, they can hold one at another time, perhaps the following week,” said Bond. “That way, students and employees can still take part in honouring our veterans.”

More information is available at www.legion.ca.