Where your poppy dollars go: A community of remembrance and support

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 532 New Hamburg Poppy Chair Gary Bender presents a check to the Air Cadet 822 Tutor Squadron. To the left is Warrant Officer first Class James Murdoch and to the right, Squadron Capt. Gibbons. Contributed photo

By Scott Dunstall

Every fall, Canadians wear a poppy close to their hearts as a small symbol that carries enormous meaning.

In New Hamburg, that symbol takes the form of action, thanks to the volunteers and supporters behind the annual Poppy Campaign led by The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 532 New Hamburg.

Last year, the community once again showed its generosity, helping the Legion raise over $38,000 through local donations. These funds support a wide range of initiatives that reflect the campaign’s enduring mission: to honour veterans, support their families and invest in the wellbeing of the community they helped protect.

Throughout Wilmot and Wellesley, volunteers placed poppy boxes in local businesses and mailed thousands of letters to households and organizations. Local schools also participated, with teachers incorporating poppy-themed educational materials in their classrooms and encouraging students to participate in the annual Youth Education Poster and Literary Contest by submitting poems, posters and essays that explore remembrance and service. Those works go on display at the New Hamburg Legion until the Remembrance season concludes. Winning entries from each category are displayed at the New Hamburg Legion and entered into the broader Legion contests at the provincial and national levels.

A portion of the funds raised supports national and regional veteran initiatives, but the majority remains right here in our community, funding critical causes such as:

• Military Resource Centre

• Ontario Command Bursary

• Leave the Streets Behind: Aiding homeless veterans and their families

• Ontario Command Charity Foundation

• Youth Education Poster and Literary Contest

• New Hamburg Legion Veterans Dinner

• Veterans Widow Support

• Veterans Service Dog Training 

• Parkwood Veterans Comfort Fund

• Stratford, St. Marys and Grand River Hospitals (veterans and community enhancements)

• 822 Air Cadet Tutor Squadron 

The Poppy Campaign closes each year at midnight on Nov. 10. This past year was particularly moving with the participation of the 822 Air Cadet Tutor Squadron not only assisting with the Poppy program but also standing vigil at the New Hamburg Cenotaph overnight on Nov. 10, 2024. Community members dropped by through the night offering support, donuts and coffee. The Legion served as the rest and recoup zone.

The entire Remembrance season culminates with a service and parade leading to the New Dundee Cenotaph the week before Nov. 11, complete with Legion Colour Party and local dignitaries. Then on an even larger scale on Nov. 11, another parade leads from the New Hamburg Cenotaph to the New Hamburg Arena where the same colour party and dignitaries participate with contributions from the New Hamburg Band and the Waterloo-Oxford Choir.  From the youngest student to the most senior veteran, the spirit of service and remembrance is alive and well in our communities.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 532 New Hamburg extends heartfelt thanks to every donor, volunteer, student, teacher and cadet who played a role in last year’s campaign. Your support ensures that our veterans are never forgotten — and that their legacy continues to strengthen our community.

A look at Canadians’ service and sacrifice

Canada in World War I (1914-1918)

Total served: 650,000+

Killed in action: 66,000+

Wounded: 172,000+

Canada in World War II (1939-1945)

Total served: 1,000,000+

Killed in action: 44,000+

Wounded: 54,000+