Royal Canadian Legion debuts digital poppies

The Royal Canadian Legion is offering a new, digital way to pay respects to Canada’s veterans.

The digital poppy is part of an online fundraising campaign to complement the traditional version.

“Canadians have enthusiastically supported the Legion’s lapel Poppy campaign for many years and the traditional ‘on-street’ donations will continue across the country,” said Danny Martin, deputy director of The Royal Canadian Legion.

“The Legion’s new digital Poppy campaign will allow people to donate online and share their remembrance in a meaningful, personalized manner.”

Canadians will be able to personalize their online poppy and share it online.

Donations made through the online drive will be distributed to a legion branch nearest to the donor’s address.

“In this way, funds support local, community-based initiatives for Veterans,” said Martin.

The annual poppy drive supports programs and services for all of Canada’s veterans and their families.

The digital poppy is available online starting Friday until Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.