The Poppy Campaign was off to a bit of a tough start early in the season. Although volunteers were low, Legion President, Kathy Hobbs says that Lacombe has really stepped up last minute to support the Lacombe Legion Branch No. 79 and their Poppy Campaign.

“As always, Lacombe citizens came out and supported and we had a good response of volunteers. That’s it. I think in this time when we are all tightening belts the people of Lacombe and surrounding districts are very generous,” explained Kathy Hobbs.

Just as the Legion began their Poppy Campaign, they were in need of double their number of volunteers. In a short amount of time, they saw that number rise. What is harder to find for them is finding volunteers from the uniform section of service to join the legion on their public visits.

“We don’t have many from the uniform section that can come. It’s during their working day but we’re managing we could always use more legion members or service personnel to join us,” said Hobbs.

The Legion makes trips to many public spaces throughout the Lacombe area. Their visits do not solely consist of school visits but also include seniors’ lodges, hospitals, and care facilities.

Before Remembrance Day, the Legion is working in public spaces for a solid two weeks straight. However, Kathy Hobbs is happy to do the work in honour of Canada’s heroes.

“The Legion’s oath that we take is to never forget the sacrifice of so many and also to honour those that are still in the service that have the courage and are still there. Be they EMS, the City of Lacombe Police force, RCMP, anybody in the service. There are so many still out there serving and the Legion’s job is to make sure we never forget,” said Hobbs.

The Legion will wrap up their public visits on Friday, November 8th and then have one last service that will be held on Remembrance Day.

On Monday, November 11th the Legion Branch No. 79 will be hosting a Remembrance Day service and community activities.  The Legion will host a breakfast that starts at 8 AM at the Legion Hall which will be followed by the Remembrance Day service held at the Lacombe Memorial Centre at 10:45 PM. After the service, there will be lunch held at the Legion Hall and then a potluck supper to follow that in the evening at 5:30 PM.