At the end of October, volunteers with the Royal Canadian Legion in Bradford West Gwillimbury place poppy boxes in local stores and stand in front of various locations around town, accepting donations for the cloth poppies that represent remembrance.
The legion’s annual poppy campaign is a fundraiser for a number of charities – and, on Thursday, the legion presented some of the money raised last year to Community & Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS), for its local Meals on Wheels program.
Presenting a cheque for $1,500 were legion president Mike Giovanetti, and past president and poppy co-chair Ruth Brooks.
“It’s a donation from our poppy fund. This is part of the work the legion does in the community,” said Giovanetti.
“When you see somebody standing out in the cold, buy a poppy because this is where the money goes,” added Brooks.
The presentation took place at the legion hall, where CHATS holds a weekly social and wellness program for seniors, featuring activities, games and a healthy luncheon. Participants from Bradford West Gwillimbury and Holland Landing were on hand to applaud the donation.
Brooks noted the mandate of the poppy fund is to support, first and foremost, veterans and their families, but also seniors and youth – and, this year, a new cause.
“This year is unique,” she said. “Bradford now has its very own air cadet squadron, the 37 Orville Hand Squadron. We’re allowed to give a certain percentage to the air cadets.”
The squadron will officially receive its charter on May 25 at the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre. Currently, the group of about 31 boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 are part of 37 Flight of the Newmarket 94 Squadron Air Cadets.
Giovanetti invited the seniors to learn more about air cadets, and he thanked them for participating in legion events.
“I really enjoy you guys coming out every Thursday. Thank you for being part of the legion,” he said.
"CHATS is very grateful to the Bradford legion for their support of the Meals on Wheels program," added Rhonda Flanagan, director of development with CHATS. "It's an essential program that is so important for so many seniors in the community. It helps keep them in their homes."
Meals on Wheels not only ensures healthy nutrition, it also provides a social link for seniors and the home-bound, who may become isolated. Many Bradford residents rely on Meals for Wheels, Flanagan said, noting there is a waiting list for subsidized services.
"It is the community support from partners like the Bradford legion that makes it possible to deliver the service," and will make it possible for CHATS to offer additional subsidies for low income residents, she said.
In addition to the Meals on Wheels program, CHATS provides support for caregivers, transportation services, in-home and home safety services, and community programs such as the wellness and adult day programs.
For more information about Meals on Wheels or other CHATS services, see chats.on.ca or call 1-877-452-4287.
