The Okotoks Legion Branch #291 is just a few weeks out from kicking off the annual Poppy Campaign, and they are looking for residents to pitch in.

This Saturday, Oct. 21 the Legion will hold a Volunteer Sign up at the Elks Hall starting at 3:00 p.m.

The sign up will include a briefing on how manned locations will be managed this year, and volunteer expectations.

Maureen Haberstock, Chair of the Okotoks Legion Poppy Campaign, says there are different time commitments to suit everyone's schedule.

"Our shifts vary, some of them are two hours, some are three hours. There are lots of times to choose from, some locations are not manned right through the day of course but during peak hours. There's lots of variety on weekends, late afternoons etcetera."

This year the Legion will have locations at Costco, Walmart, Safeway, home depot, Sobey's and at Save-On Foods. Each location is staffed with two volunteers, generally including a legion member.

Haberstock says there's a lot of spots to fill for the Poppy Campaign this year.

"Last year we had in the neighbourhood of 50 volunteers and that meant that a number of our volunteers were doing multiple shifts. More volunteers will lighten the load on those that are going to be coming back to us again from last year. We'll also have attendance representatives from some of the Cadet units, Girl Guides, Pathfinders and the Welcome Wheel. Members of those organizations will be helping out this year as well."

She shares how important it is to have manned Poppy stations throughout remembrance season as it gives the community an opportunity to learn.

"It gives people a chance to chat with the volunteers and learn some things about the Legion, what we're doing in this town. Certainly our veteran members bring some memorabilia from their military careers, it's an opportunity for educating the public both about our veteran's military service, and how we are encouraging remembrance and support for veterans in our area."

The Okotoks Legion Poppy Campaign begins Friday, Oct. 27.

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