The Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign kicked off across the country today, meaning poppies will now be available by donation in businesses, malls, shops and legions.

Malcolm Young, veteran and Saskatoon’s Vice Chair of the annual Remembrance Day production, says over the last decade, the Poppy Campaign has raised over $1.4 million, which all goes toward helping veterans and their families.

For example, the funds support several initiatives such as providing veterans with service dogs, the opportunity for veterans to get an education, and supporting their self-care needs.

“Just not too far from here is Sherbrooke(Community Centre), and there is a small contingent of Korean WWII veterans that live there. They’re supported by Veteran’s Affairs, but we provide monies from the Poppy Trust, also to support those veterans as necessary.”

However, Young adds that the digital age has allowed scammers to easily take advantage of those wanting to make a donation.

“Some people try and take advantage of the emotion that is attached to the poppy and the sacrifice it represents by trying to sell them online or sell them over the phone. Don’t fall for the scam.”

When it comes to the protocol on when to wear your poppy, Young says people are encouraged not to wear it after November 11th.

“(This is) to continue to support the tradition that we’ve built around the poppy, and to make sure that the power of that poppy comes on display each year during that very special period of time.”

Young reminds the public that this year’s Remembrance Day service, the largest indoor Remembrance Day ceremony in Canada, will be held on November 11th at 10:30a.m. at SaskTel Centre.