A traditional poppy box and a Pay Tribute donation terminal is displayed at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 in Barrie, Ont., Oct. 23, 2026. BARRIE360/Julius Hern
The Barrie legion is looking to raise $300,000 through this year’s poppy campaign, and organizers say they need more volunteers to help achieve that target.
This initiative in Central Ontario kicked off on Friday during a ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 in Barrie, although some local businesses have already started displaying poppy boxes.
Michel Cormier has taken over as the poppy chair this year after serving five years as the vice chair. He explains that organizing involves mapping out hundreds of routes to distribute around 90,000 poppies to local businesses, along with outreach to schools and canvassing the community.
“We need people, we need volunteers just to make the routes so these 600 and some business get those poppies,” he told the audience.
Cormier later shared with Barrie360: “We prepare the routes to go out to go to the businesses, we have all the canvassing trays and all the information for people to go out. Once the campaign is over and the money comes back.. we do everything else.”
Michel Cormier, the poppy chair for the central Ontario poppy campaign, speaks during a ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 in Barrie, Ont., Oct. 23, 2026. BARRIE360/Julius Hern
Volunteers from across the community play a vital role in this campaign alongside legion members and veterans.
Cormier mentions that volunteer numbers can vary but last year’s community backing helped keep things on track.
“It meant the world because there’s times when I look at it (and say) ‘we’re not gonna make it,’ and next thing we know, people start to show up and it picks up and it’s amazing.”
He adds that anyone interested in volunteering should contact their local legion-whether it’s Barrie or another location in Simcoe County.
The goal of $300,000 for the Barrie legion is “doable,” according to Cormier; however, reaching it would be easier with more volunteers on board.
Approximately $20 million is raised for the poppy fund each year nationwide. The funds collected by each legion are used for financial assistance and support for local veterans and their families according to information from the Royal Canadian Legion.
Naturally, success depends on people’s willingness to donate-especially since rising costs are putting strain on many household budgets.
“We know the cost of fuel, groceries, everything is high,” Cormier told Barrie360. “We expect some people are struggling more but we believe they still want to contribute whatever they can for our veterans who gave everything.”
Honorary Colonel Wayne Hay has a poppy pinned to his lapel by a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 in Barrie, Ont., Oct. 23, 2026. BARRIE360/Julius Hern
The campaign starts as Canadians mourn four members of the Canadian Armed Forces who lost their lives following a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright on Saturday.
Among those injured due to this incident is also Oro-Medonte mayoral candidate Cathy Keane’s eldest son among at least 39 others hurt in this tragic event.
“These families are going through something that’s difficult,” Cormier said while talking with Barrie360. “One of them is 19-years-old. My kid is 20.. No parent should have to bury a kid; during war times it happened way too much.”
Barrie South-Innisfil MP John Brassard hosted this launch event while holding back tears as he recounted details about this tragedy and read aloud names of those who passed away.
He highlighted these events in Wainwright as part of why people should support the poppy campaign.
‘This poppy fund is important for several reasons,’ he stated. ‘It supports work done by our legions-this will be even more significant now given these members’ needs along with their families too-not just locally but across our country.’
Barrie South-Innisfil MP John Brassard speaks during a ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 in Barrie Ont., Oct.23 ,2026. BARRIE360/Julius Hern
Residents wanting to donate can do so using traditional cash or change donations into poppy boxes or simply tap their debit cards via Pay Tribute boxes. There are also online options available such as creating digital pops or ordering one through Amazon. p >
This campaign runs from Saturday until Remembrance Day , coinciding with centenary celebrations held by legions everywhere. p >
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