A rare bit of sun shone down as this year's poppy drive officially began on Friday morning with a short ceremony at the Prince Edward Branch 91 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Langford.
Legion president Norm Scott presented West Shore RCMP Insp. Larry Chomyn with the ceremonial first poppy to kick off this year's campaign.
"If our poppy drive is a success, that means that we can help more veterans and families in need in the community with their medical needs, and their general family needs," Scott said.
The drive also allows the Legion to host different functions in support of the youth in the community, he added.
Last year's campaign raised $80,000, but this year the Legion is in dire need of volunteers to cover off roughly 60 two-hour time slots. Volunteering entails taking poppy trays to local businesses and collecting donations for the drive.
Anyone wishing to help out can contact the Legion at 250-478-9812.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com