Poppy drive is adding new technology under COVID-19, says Legion

By Beatrice Toplitsky

The Royal Canadian Legion will be modifying its approach to this year’s national poppy campaign, adding tap payments and online donations, according to officials.

Legion branches are discouraged by public health officials from traditional fundraising practices like placing tables and volunteers outside of business entrances as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

But the Royal Canadian Legion says some of these sites may still be open where feasible.

In a press release on Monday,  it said traditional poppy boxes will be available for coin donations at most local Legions. In addition, it is also introducing a new electronic “Pay Tribute” box that will allow people to donate and receive a poppy with tap payment.

“We want to be at the forefront of new technologies and provide several options for donors, given that fewer people are carrying cash and we remain in the midst of a pandemic,” says Dominion President Thomas D. Irvine.

Donations are also being accepted online through the Legion’s national website, and poppies will be for sale through poppystore.ca during the period leading up to Remembrance Day.

Remembrance Day commemorates the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.