The 2026 National Poppy Campaign kicked off on October 24. Mayor Steve Ferguson and Members of council met with representatives of all three local Legions to launch the campaign at the Picton Cenotaph. Mr. Ferguson and councillors Bill Roberts, Janice Maynard, and Phil St-Jean received the first poppies. 

Phil Dawson, President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 in Picton, Joel Ledain, Service Officer for the Wellington Legion Branch 160, and David Shepherd, President of Legion Branch 509 in Consecon were all on hand for the ceremony, along with Poppy Campaign Chair Tom McCaw and Diane Kennedy of the Picton Legion.

This year, some of the proceeds will go to supporting victims of the tragic events at CFB Wainwright October 14.

“All of those people, military personnel, they’re going to need help. The Legion Poppy Funds are helping not only them but also their families,” Mr. Ledain said.

Four members of the Canadian Armed Forces died and dozens were injured during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright. High winds caused a grass fire to grow quickly and overwhelm the group. 

Poppies will be available at each of the three Legion branches and at various businesses. For Mr. Ledain, the kickoff of the poppy campaign is also a chance to shed light on some of what the legion can offer year round.

“There are so many military and veterans who don’t know what the Legion can do for them, and especially their families,” he said. 

“Myself, I’m a Service Officer for the Legion in Wellington. We have 76 veterans in Wellington. I find talking to a lot them, they don’t know what the Legion can offer.” 

Ledain himself was out of the service for decades before joining the Legion — and wishes he had discovered it sooner.

Legions provide free confidential help to veterans and their families. 

They specialize in helping with Veterans Affairs Canada disability claims and providing emergency financial aid. Mental Health and PTSD services are also available along with programs in support of homeless veterans.  

“I’m always learning every day. 

“Lots of people don’t have the knowledge of what can be provided to them through Veterans Canada and through the Legion. 

“There’s so much available to them,” he said.