Ontario’s 2025 Poppy Campaign kicks off with ceremony at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre

On October 30, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre was proud to welcome the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command for the presentation of the province’s first poppy. The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honorable Edith Dumont, was joined by Veterans and staff from the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, alongside a group of students from the Toronto French School, for the annual ceremony.

The ceremony launches the Legion’s 2025 Poppy Campaign, which officially starts on Friday, October 31 and runs through to Remembrance Day on November 11.

Legion president of the Ontario Provincial Command Lynn McClellan presented the first poppy to the Honourable Edith Dumont. In turn, Her Honour presented a poppy to Veterans Centre resident Major-General Richard Rohmer in a symbolic gesture that honours Ontario’s veterans.

General Rohmer is a decorated Veteran of the Second World War, with decades of service in the Canadian Armed Forces. He was promoted to the rank of Major-General and appointed Chief of Reserves in 1978, retiring in 1981.

Each year, Sunnybrook’s participation in the First Poppy Ceremony is an important reminder of Sunnybrook’s legacy, rich history and ongoing commitment to supporting the Canadian Armed Forces and Canada’s veterans.

The poppy has been widely recognized as a symbol of remembrance since it was first adopted in 1921. By wearing the poppy, we demonstrate our gratitude to those who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy.