Pelham residents and visitors to the Meridian Community Centre will have a new way to participate in this year’s annual Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 613 Poppy Campaign with the addition of a “Poppy Tap Box”.

From now until November 11, a digital tap option for a monetary donation to the campaign is now possible with the donation box, which is located at the information desk at the Meridian Community Centre. Residents can use tap payment as an option for pre-set denominations of $2, $5, or $10, that would be electronically collected for the campaign. The Poppy tap box is one of two located in Pelham and traditional Poppy collection boxes can also be found at participating local area businesses.

“The Legion has done a great job this year to continue to offer the Poppy Campaign.” said Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, “It was an honour to be the first to receive a Poppy this year and recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by Canada’s veterans and those who still serve.”

The November 11th service provided at Veterans Park on the Legion grounds will begin at approximately 10:45 am and will have covid-19 safeguards built into the program. Residents are invited to participate in the service and masks are encouraged for all attendees. Weather permitting, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum has arranged for a fly-by of the Avro Lancaster which was made possible through donations received by the Town of Pelham and other municipalities. The service will also be live-streamed for those who would prefer to attend virtually, courtesy of Niagara College’s students and staff from the Broadcasting- Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) program.

The Town of Pelham in partnership with the Legion has expanded the ongoing Veterans banner program this year, with street banners throughout the areas surrounding Town Hall and the Meridian Community Centre; 47 local veterans are recognized with the program this year.

Town Hall will be closed on November 11th in observance of Remembrance Day.