It may be early days for the West Shore's poppy campaign, but donations have got off to a slow start, raising concern for Langford’s Royal Canadian Legion president Norm Scott.
According to Scott, during a typical campaign, he would normally be making three or four daily trips to the bank to deposit funds raised; so far this year, he says he has been lucky to make two.
“So that tells me there is a big, big change,” he said.
This year's campaign has a fundraising target of between $95,000 to $100,000, but Scott says he is worried they will fall short.
“Which is unfortunate as we try and strive to make funds to help our veterans and our seniors,” he said.
About why poppy campaign donations could be on the decline, Scott is unsure, but he speculates the cost-of-living crisis could be forcing residents to be more cautious with their money.
“People are struggling,” he said.
The West Shore’s poppy campaign was launched on Oct. 25, with members of the community and local dignitaries joining veterans and members of the Langford branch of the Royal Canadian Legion at a number of ceremonies across the area.
Last year's poppy campaign raised over $90,000 on the West Shore.
