Crocheted Poppies: Alanna Wong’s Tribute to Veterans

What began as a simple lunchtime hobby has blossomed into a decade-long tradition of remembrance, generosity, and community spirit. Port Coquitlam resident Alanna Wong has turned her love for crochet into a powerful way to support veterans, raising more than $28,000 for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 through her handmade poppies.

A Small Beginning with Big Impact

The idea first sparked when a co-worker asked Alanna to crochet a poppy after seeing a knitted one online. She crafted one during her break, not realizing the overwhelming demand that would follow. Soon, she was selling out at a local artisan shop and creating waitlists as more people asked for her unique poppies.

What started as a single request has grown into an effort that now sees Alanna creating 800 to 1,000 poppies every year. Each poppy takes about ten minutes to make, but over the past ten years, that has added up to 10,079 poppies, each one made by hand, each one sold to support veterans.

Recognition and Memorable Moments - Crocheted Poppies

Alanna’s crocheted poppies have captured attention well beyond Port Coquitlam. From Hollywood filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld, who purchased five and donated extra out of excitement, to a shout-out on the Kid Carson Show, her work has reached far and wide. She has also been featured in multiple media outlets, including CBC Vancouver, Tri-City News, Vancouver is Awesome, and the TransLink Buzzer Blog.

Her dedication earned her the honor of becoming an honorary member of the Port Coquitlam Legion Branch 133, along with a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing her long-term support of the Legion’s poppy program and veterans’ issues. Her poppies have traveled across Canada and even internationally, reaching Scotland and Australia.

Deep Roots in the Community

For Alanna, this project is about more than fundraising; it’s about connection. She has built strong relationships with local business owners who proudly help share her work, and she actively supports the PoCo Legion by attending dinners, planning holiday events, and even choosing them as caterers for her baby shower.

When asked why she chose the Port Coquitlam Legion 133 as the recipient of all proceeds, her answer was simple: “I currently reside in Port Coquitlam and want to contribute to my home community.”

Where to Find the Poppies

This year, Alanna’s crocheted poppies are available at several local spots:

• Cassandra Cake Co. (Port Coquitlam)

• The Hayloft Vintage Mall (Langley)

• Place des Arts (Coquitlam)

• Willow and Wallflower (Port Moody)

• Metro Vancouver Transit Police (New Westminster)

• Inlet Pharmacy (Port Moody)

• Simusique (Coquitlam)

• Mail orders through Instagram @crochetedpoppies

A Call to Action

Alanna’s story is a reminder that sometimes change starts with one person, one idea, and one act of kindness. Her crocheted poppies not only inspire people to wear a symbol of remembrance but also motivate the community to take action in supporting veterans and those in need.

As Remembrance Day approaches, consider purchasing one of Alanna’s poppies not just as a tribute to the past, but as a way to build a stronger, more connected future.