Royal Canadian Legion launches 2026 National Poppy Campaign

The Royal Canadian Legion has officially launched its 2026 National Poppy Campaign, a nationwide initiative to raise funds for veterans' benefits, housing, and community support. This year’s campaign marks the 100th anniversary of the Legion.

To modernize fundraising, the Legion is introducing contactless donation technology, allowing volunteers to accept payments via debit, credit, or digital wallets using smartphones. This initiative is supported by BMO and utilizes technology from Toucan Giving.

Across Canada, local branches are holding ceremonies to present the first poppies of the season to mayors and community leaders. In several regions, including the Yukon and British Columbia, these ceremonies included moments of silence to honor Canadian Armed Forces members killed in a recent training exercise fire in Wainwright, Alberta.