Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign launched by local veteran who’s handed out poppies for over eight decades

The Royal Canadian Legion launched its annual poppy campaign Friday, with a ceremony at London City Hall.

The Royal Canadian Legion launched its annual Poppy Campaign with a special ceremony at London City Hall on Thursday.

It was led by a veteran with more than eight decades of experience participating in poppy campaigns, Cpt. (Retired) Sam Newman.

Newman began handing out poppies as a boy before serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force and Navy.

The 88 year old launched the Royal Canadian Legion’s 2025 fundraising campaign by pinning the first poppy on Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis.

Lewis then pinned poppies on representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion Vimy Branch 145, the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, London Police and London Fire Department.

“I make it a point to get out each and every poppy campaign that comes up,” Newman told CTV News. “Not only do I like to pin the poppies on people, but also to tell them why we’re doing this.”

“The First Poppy Ceremony marks the beginning of the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign, a time when Londoners across our city proudly wear a poppy in remembrance of those who served and continue to serve our country,” Lewis said.

The Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign is the Legion’s primary fundraising initiative to support veterans and their families.

Donations raised through the campaign provide financial assistance and community programming to those who have served Canada.

The ceremony brought together members of London’s civic and military communities, including:

• Commander Janet Lang, HMCS Prevost
• Colonel Blair Ashford, Wolseley Barracks
• Staff Sergeant Nolan Keogh, RCMP
• Chief Thai Truong, London Police Service
• Dave Glover, City of London / London Fire Department, Royal Canadian Navy Regular & Reserve Service
• Beth Sayler, President and Poppy Chair, Royal Canadian Legion Vimy Branch 145
• Captain (Retired) Jerry Juraszko (Army)
• Captain (Retired) Sam Newman (RCAF)