The 2020 Poppy campaign in Saskatchewan is under way.

Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Russ Mirasty was presented with the first poppy of the campaign in a virtual ceremony.

The second poppy was presented to Sergeant (ret’d) Paul Valiquette.

“I am honoured to receive the first poppy in Saskatchewan,” said the Lieutenant Governor in a release. “I encourage everyone to wear a poppy to pay tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed much to serve our country. I am grateful to the Legion for their ongoing support of veterans and service people, which is made possible through donations to the Poppy Fund.”

“It’s a great privilege to receive this poppy from the Legion, presented by His Honour,” said Veteran Paul Valiquette also in a release. “I will wear it in honour of the men and women I served with in Afghanistan, Golan Heights, and on many other operations. When I was diagnosed with an Operational Stress Injury, the Poppy Fund assisted me with emergency funding for groceries and rent, and even to find a better home through the Leave the Streets Program. I work with the Legion today and use the training I received in Mental Health First Aid to help others.”

Poppies will be available to the public on Friday at all Legions and participating businesses across the province.

Watch the virtual poppy presentation video here: http://sasklegion.ca/2020firstpoppy/