Launch of Calgary Poppy Fund aims to fill empty shelves at Veterans’ Food Bank

Lapels sporting velvety red poppies signal the start of something special: remembering.

A prelude to Remembrance Day, the annual Calgary Poppy Fund launched Saturday at Chinook Centre.

Joey Bleviss, CEO of the Calgary Poppy Fund, said above all things, wearing the symbolic poppy represents remembrance of the fallen and support for veterans across Canada.

And with the Veterans’ Food Bank struggling to fill up shelf space, the Poppy Fund has become more important now than ever.

“Our goal is to assist those whose pensions don’t keep up with the rising cost of living,” Bleviss explained. “We’re also seeing a lot of younger veterans who’ve been laid off or caught up in the economic downturn.”

Despite rises in donations from smaller businesses and local donors, the recession has resulted in the dropping off of much-needed corporate donors. Providing everything from dentures to food, Bleviss said the Veterans’ Food Bank is a support service many Canadians rely on.

“We’re the only dedicated food bank across Canada,” he added. “The purpose is to make sure veterans, their spouses and dependants can meet their needs of shelter, food and daily living aides.”

A large crowd gathered Saturday at Chinook Centre to watch the Official Colour Parade, enjoy live music and watch a special art unveiling of a Remembrance Day display put together by students from Buffalo Rubbing Stone School.

Grade 4 student Nadia Sarhosh had a red, painted poppy proudly on display, and said she loves art and learning about Canadian history.

“We painted these poppies because we wanted to remember the sacrifice the veterans made,” she said. “They gave us Canadians the opportunity to have a better life and to have peace in our country.”

While the Poppy Fund looks off to a good start with throngs of shoppers already purchasing poppies, Bleviss said he’s concerned about poppy box thefts.

“Last year we lost 40-odd boxes,” Bleviss said. “The issue is we can’t tell how many dollars were lost — one box might contain a dollar or $50. Every dollar goes out to our veterans in need, and it’s unfortunate that money goes missing.”