You see them at this time every year, poppies have begun to pop up in businesses around Moose Jaw. The poppy was first introduced as a symbol of remembrance in 1921, meant to be worn the two weeks before Remembrance Day.

With the day fast approaching, we are all encouraged to head out and get a poppy in exchange for a donation.

Local veteran and poppy chair for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59, Bob Travale.

"We made up 230 large trays, and about 60 small trays, but they're not all out yet. This year, especially along Thatcher, we picked up quite a few new businesses that indicated they wanted poppy trays, and we were quite pleased with that."

All funds raised through the poppy campaign go toward local organizations and programs.

"In the past year, we've actually spent approximately $20,000 just on assisting veterans directly or their next-of-kin. This year we gave $5,000 to the Cosmo Centre, and a program called 'Leave the Streets Behind' for the homeless, we gave them $5,000 for that project."

The 101st Remembrance Day Service and Parade of Veterans is set to take place in Moose Jaw on November 11 at Mosaic Place. If attending, you are asked to be seated by 10:30 for the service, which will be conducted by Rev Ron Cairns.

Following the service, all veterans who are able and wish to do so can join the Legion Colour Party at the corner of 2nd Ave NW and High Street W to march in the Parade of Veterans.