Stronger Together

2026 Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day Service

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Our Poppy Campaign committee has been meeting regularly since the middle of September developing our 2026 plans. We know that in previous years in late October and early November, the citizens of Pelham have pinned a poppy to their lapels and then on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, they have paused for two minutes to honour and remember those who have served and continue to serve our country. For that, our Branch members and especially our veterans say, “thank you.”

Our November 11th service will begin at approximately 10:40 am. and will once again take place in Veterans Park on Legion grounds. To enhance attendee safety, the right westbound lane of Highway 20 will be closed in front of the Branch for the duration of the service. Thanks to Regional staff and the NRPS for facilitating our request.

We are pleased to advise that our service will be livestreamed to allow Pelham residents to participate virtually, courtesy of Niagara College’s students and staff from the Broadcasting- Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) program. The live stream link (as well as the service program) can be found below. Weather permitting, there will be a fly-over during the service sponsored by our Town of Pelham.

Our annual Poppy campaign will take place during the period of October 24th to November 11th, inclusive. Members of the planning committee have canvassed businesses and organizations in Pelham, and we are pleased to advise that approximately 160 Poppy boxes will be distributed throughout our Town. You will also see volunteers canvassing at store locations from time to time during the period of the campaign. As well, our Branch has secured “tap boxes” for this year’s campaign which will be located at Sobeys, the LCBO, the MCC, and DeVries Farm Market in Fenwick. Finally, approximately 25 organizations will make a donation for a wreath to be laid at the cenotaph in Veterans Park prior to our November 11th ceremony.

With a campaign goal of $26,000, we are asking the citizens of Pelham for your continuing support of our Poppy campaign which raises funds to sustain a variety of programs and initiatives to assist veterans and their families and making available bursaries for the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of our veterans. We also make financial donations to entities like Camp Maple Leaf, a not-for-profit sleepover camp for children of military families, the Homeless Veterans program, and the 613 Lincoln and Welland Cadet Corps, from our Poppy Fund. More information on the uses of the Poppy Fund can be found at www.on.legion.ca.

If you are inclined to donate to our campaign in 2026 without accessing the Poppy collection boxes or tap boxes, you can send us a cheque payable to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 613. We also accept payment at our Branch via cash, credit card or debit card. You can also process your donation by using e-transfer at br613rcl@cogeco.net. Under the “comments” section, please insert the wording, “Poppy Fund donation.” Please note the best time to visit the Branch is between the hours of 12:00 pm. to 6:00 pm. each calendar day.

By now, you will have noticed that banners depicting veterans with a Pelham connection were placed on the utility poles throughout the downtown core on Pelham Street, Pelham Town Square, Summersides Boulevard, Meridian Way, Wellspring Way, and downtown Fenwick for the season of Remembrance. Thanks to Town staff for hanging the banners!

On behalf of all our veterans and members of Branch 613, we thank you in advance for your continuing support of our Poppy campaign. Pelham residents have always responded favourably to community-based initiatives, and we are hoping you will do so again for our 2026 Poppy campaign.

Kindest regards,
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 613

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