Dear Editor:

The community of Merritt helped raise the 2012 Poppy Campaign to an astounding $12,741.98.

This is the largest amount ever collected in this community. It is rewarding to know and see that so many of our community members have shown their love and respect for our fallen soldiers, wounded soldiers, their families and the servicing Canadian Armed Forces personnel.

The Poppy money is held in trust (none goes to a local branch for general funds) and that trust fund is allocated to so many worthwhile endeavours: to veterans and their dependants, to veterans who are eligible for some home repairs so that they can stay in their own homes longer (wheelchair ramps, widening of doors for wheelchairs, life line system, some yard maintenance, transport costs to medical appointments). The local poppy fund also contributes to the Rocky Mountain Ranger Cadets, Navy League Cadets, Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels and the Coquihalla-Gillis House. Provincially, the poppy fund supports different transition houses for returned veterans; honour house for returned veterans who are suffering from PTSD and substance abuse caused by war action; George Darby House, a hospital for many many elderly veterans; medical research; Legion-supported youth programs; and bursaries for children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of veterans.

Royal Canadian Legion 96 thanks the communities of Merritt and Logan Lake for their support. It is the community members of Merritt who come to the Remembrance Day services at the Civic Centre. While the Royal Canadian Legion takes part in the service, it is the community members who take part in remembering.

Lest we forget,

Fraternally,

Maureen Dixon,

RCL96 Poppy Chair