The Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign is underway, collecting donations to help veterans who have fallen on hard times.

The money collected is distributed to help veterans directly through a variety of programs, and none goes to the Legion’s general maintenance or operations.

Poppies distributed through the Legion are free, and people have the choice of providing a donation.

Most people are familiar with the Legion’s poppies, but in recent years private artisans and retailers have started selling poppies in a variety of styles and materials.

A range of poppies are even evident among elected officials in the House of Assembly.

Sergeant at Arms with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No 1, Ed Burke says while the proceeds from some poppies sold privately are donated to the Legion, others are not.

That’s a concern for the Legion, particularly if people are profiting from it.

He recommends that people who pick up a poppy outside of the Legion’s campaign ask where the money is going.

“The monies from the others? Some of that money is donated, and some of them, I don’t know, because we have no control over the people (who) are making these poppies and putting them out.”