Wearing of the Poppy to honour those who sacrificed themselves for us in war began in 1921. Funds collected were distributed to the orphans, widows and injured veterans of the First World War. The poppy was chosen as the symbol because of the popularity of Dr. John McCrae’s poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. McCrae was born near here in Guelph and he died during the war, while serving in the Canadian Army Medical Corps. His poem is universal and for all time. The poppy has become the symbol of remembrance all around the world. The Poppy appeal has continued for over 100 years, driven by volunteers from local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion.

London Ontario's Vimy Legion Branch 145 and Victory Legion Branch 317 have joined together for this online Poppy campaign. All of the funds raised go to support London's homeless veterans. No administrative costs are charged by the Legion branches.