The Calgary Poppy Fund has launched its annual campaign two weeks ahead of Remembrance Day.
Veterans and volunteers were on hand at Chinook mall, marching through the halls Saturday morning.
READ MORE: Soft local economy empties shelves at Calgary Veterans Food Bank
Organizers laid wreathes and bagpipes were played to honour soldiers who served Canada.
Like the Veterans Food Bank, the poppy fund has been affected by the drop in oil prices and layoffs in the city.
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“We have a lot of our veterans and their widows and dependents…with the increase in the cost of living and the way the economy is, it’s really important that we make sure that those that are still with us are well looked after,” Calgary Poppy Fund chief administrative officer Joey Bleviss said. “And the citizens of Calgary are very, very good about ensuring that the poppy fund is viable enough to maintain their standard of living for them.”
A Remembrance Day display will be showcased at the mall until Nov. 11 with Royal Canadian Legion representatives available to collect donations.
READ MORE: No Stone Left Alone honours fallen Canadian military
Watch below from Oct. 27: The Veterans Food Bank is overwhelmed by demand and facing empty shelves. Gary Bobrovitz reports.
With files from Carolyn Kury de Castillo
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