Poppy Campaign kicks off in Ontario with ceremony at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre

The Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign officially starts on the last Friday of October when the Governor General of Canada, currently the Right Honourable Mary Simon, receives her poppy from the President of the Royal Canadian Legion. Shortly afterwards, Ontario’s Poppy Campaign begins when Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor receives her poppy, which is often done at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.

This year, Sunnybrook was honoured to welcome both the current Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, and the Lieutenant Governor-designate Madame Edith Dumont, who will be installed on November 14, 2023. Following a welcome by Sunnybrook CEO Dr. Andy Smith, Royal Canadian Legion President of the Ontario Provincial Command Derek Smith conducted the Poppy Pinning Ceremony, which included Her Honour and Sunnybrook Veteran’s Centre resident Bob Chartre. As the Lieutenant Governor-designate is Ontario’s first Francophone to hold this position, Madame Dumont was delighted to have a French-speaking Veteran attend the event.

Following a recital and songs from students at the Toronto French School and presentations to Her Honour from Mr. Moore and Dr. Smith, Her Honour and Madame Dumont enjoyed some time to meet with other Veterans and Sunnybrook staff who attended the ceremony.

Please click here to learn more about the Poppy Ceremony and the history of the poppy.