Legion launches annual poppy campaign in Morinville

By Haylee Winger

Dignitaries, Legion members, and community guests gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 176 in Morinville on October 30 for the official launch of the annual Poppy Campaign.

RCL Br. 176 President Comrade Maxine Butt welcomed attendees to the event, which marked the beginning of the campaign leading up to Remembrance Day. Among those in attendance were MLA for Morinville-St. Albert Dale Nally, Morinville Deputy Mayor Jenn Anheliger, Sturgeon County Deputy Mayor Kristen Toms, and Comrade Hans Brink, representing Member of Parliament for St. Albert–Sturgeon River Michael Cooper. Also present were members of Morinville Town Council, Legion members, and other special guests.

During the evening, ceremonial poppy presentations were made to local representatives. President Maxine Butt presented the first poppy to MLA Dale Nally, symbolizing the official start of the 2025 Poppy Campaign in Morinville. A second presentation was made to Comrade Hans Brink, who accepted the poppy on behalf of MP Michael Cooper.

Those in attendance included Morinville Councillors Maurice St. Denis, Nathan Himschoot, Daryn Duliba, Lisa Parenteau, and Jayson Wood, as well as Fred Malott, Legal’s Remembrance Day host and Poppy Fund representative.

The annual Poppy Campaign is a long-standing tradition of the Royal Canadian Legion, raising funds to support veterans and their families while honoring the memory of those who served.