Port Coquitlam Poppy Campaign 2026: Volunteers, Donations and Remembrance
As Remembrance Day approaches, red poppies begin appearing throughout Port Coquitlam, worn proudly as symbols of remembrance and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for Canada.
Behind these familiar symbols is a community of dedicated volunteers working to ensure poppies reach residents, businesses, and public spaces throughout the city.
At Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133, located at 2675 Shaughnessy Street, preparations for the 2026 Poppy Campaign are underway. Poco Living recently visited the branch and spoke with Nancy Mantle, the Poppy Chair, who provided a behind-the-scenes look at how the annual campaign is organized.
From trays filled with poppies to volunteer schedules and donation boxes, each part of the preparation contributes to a community-wide effort to honour Canada's veterans and support their families.
The 2026 National Poppy Campaign runs from October 24 to November 11, leading up to Remembrance Day.
How the Port Coquitlam Poppy Campaign Works
The Port Coquitlam Poppy Campaign is part of a nationwide initiative organized by The Royal Canadian Legion to promote remembrance and raise funds for veterans and their families.
A significant part of this effort is known as poppy tagging, where volunteers spend time at designated locations distributing poppies and accepting donations from the public.
At Branch 133, the preparations involve organizing poppy trays, coordinating volunteer schedules, arranging locations, and supplying businesses with poppy donation containers.
During Poco Living's visit, Nancy shared how these preparations help volunteers reach different areas of Port Coquitlam throughout the campaign.
Each prepared tray contains poppies and collection materials needed for volunteers to participate in the annual effort.
For residents who encounter volunteers at local businesses, it is an opportunity not only to wear a poppy but also to recognize the work happening behind the scenes.
The Volunteers Behind Poppy Tagging in Port Coquitlam
The success of the Poppy Campaign depends on people willing to contribute their time.
Volunteers help distribute poppies, collect donations, and represent the Legion at participating locations throughout Port Coquitlam.
Local Air Cadets are also expected to participate in poppy tagging efforts, helping bring younger generations into the tradition of remembrance and community service.
Volunteering does not necessarily require a major time commitment. The Port Coquitlam Legion has invited residents who can spare just two hours to help with poppy tagging.
Those interested can visit the branch, telephone the office, or send an email to inquire about available opportunities.
Volunteer contact information:
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133
Address: 2675 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam
Phone: 604-942-8911
Email: legion133@yahoo.com
The branch has also published its own 2026 Poppy Tagging volunteer announcement with information about getting involved.
Every volunteer contributes to keeping this important tradition alive.
Where to Find Poppies in Port Coquitlam
Throughout the campaign, residents can find remembrance poppies at participating businesses, community locations, and through Legion volunteers.
Poppy donation containers are placed at locations across Port Coquitlam, making it convenient for residents to participate while going about their daily routines.
The City of Port Coquitlam has also confirmed that poppies will be available at City facilities, with donations supporting Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133.
Residents looking for a particular poppy donation location can contact the Legion directly for current information about participating locations.
Poppies are distributed free of charge. Donations are voluntary and gratefully accepted to help support veterans and their families.
How Poppy Donations Support Veterans and Their Families
Although the poppy is widely recognized as a symbol of remembrance, the donations collected during the campaign also provide meaningful assistance.
Contributions to The Royal Canadian Legion's Poppy Trust Funds are held in trust and used according to specific rules governing support for veterans, their families, and approved remembrance initiatives.
Depending on approved needs and programs, Poppy Funds may help provide:
Emergency assistance for veterans and their families.
Support with essential expenses, including food, clothing, and medical needs.
Housing, accessibility, and care-related assistance.
Veterans' support services and transition programs.
Support for cadet organizations and approved remembrance activities.
Donations collected locally support veterans and remembrance initiatives through locally administered Poppy Funds, while donations to the National Poppy Trust Fund support national initiatives.
The Poppy Fund is separate from the Legion's general operating funds, ensuring that contributions are used for approved purposes.
For more information, visit The Royal Canadian Legion's official explanation of how Poppy Trust Funds are used.
How to Donate to the Poppy Campaign
There are several ways residents can contribute during the annual Poppy Campaign.
Donate locally: Look for official poppy donation containers at participating businesses and public locations throughout Port Coquitlam.
Visit Legion Branch 133: Residents wishing to support their local branch's Poppy Fund directly can inquire about making a donation in person.
Use a contactless donation terminal: Some Royal Canadian Legion poppy donation displays accept contactless contributions using a debit card, credit card, or compatible digital wallet.
During the visit to Branch 133, Poco Living also photographed RBC-supported contactless donation displays offering a $5 tap-to-donate option.
Donate online: Those who prefer making an online contribution can use The Royal Canadian Legion's official national donation service.
Important: Online donations through this national service support the Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund and are not specifically directed to Port Coquitlam Branch 133. To support the local branch's Poppy Fund directly, make a donation locally.
Remembrance Day in Port Coquitlam - November 11, 2026.
The Poppy Campaign leads into one of the most meaningful annual observances in Port Coquitlam.
On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 will once again host the city's Remembrance Day parade and service.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 10:10 a.m., travelling along Shaughnessy Street from Wilson Avenue to McAllister Avenue.
The observance will include a wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph in Veterans Park, where residents, veterans, families, and community representatives gather to remember those who served.
Residents attending are encouraged to wear a poppy as a visible sign of remembrance.
For details about the ceremony, road closures, and the full program, visit the City of Port Coquitlam's official Remembrance Day information.
Visit Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 in Port Coquitlam
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 continues to play an important role in remembrance, veterans' support, and community activities in Port Coquitlam.
Residents interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about the local Poppy Campaign can contact the branch directly.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133
2675 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 0B9
Office: 604-942-8911
Email: legion133@yahoo.com
Website: www.pocolegion.ca
The main entrance and parking are located at the rear of the building.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Port Coquitlam Poppy Campaign
When does the 2026 Poppy Campaign take place?
The 2026 National Poppy Campaign runs from October 24 through November 11, leading up to Remembrance Day.
What is poppy tagging?
Poppy tagging is a volunteer activity organized through Legion branches. Volunteers distribute remembrance poppies at designated locations and accept voluntary donations to the Poppy Fund.
Where can I get a poppy in Port Coquitlam?
Poppies are available at participating local businesses, City facilities, and through Legion volunteers during the campaign. Contact Branch 133 for information about current locations.
How much does a poppy cost?
Remembrance poppies are distributed free of charge. Residents are encouraged to make a voluntary donation if they are able.
How can I volunteer for poppy tagging in Port Coquitlam?
Contact Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 at 604-942-8911 or legion133@yahoo.com. The branch has invited people who can volunteer for as little as two hours to participate in the campaign.
Can local businesses request a poppy donation box?
Businesses interested in participating should contact the Port Coquitlam Legion directly to inquire about availability and arrangements for an official donation box.
Can I donate without cash?
Some official Legion Poppy Campaign collection points offer contactless donation options. Availability varies by location. Residents can also make a national donation through the official Legion website.
Do online donations go directly to Port Coquitlam Legion Branch 133?
Not through the national donation page linked in this article. That service supports the national Poppy Trust Fund. Residents wishing to donate specifically to the Port Coquitlam branch's fund should contact or visit Branch 133.
Where is the Port Coquitlam Remembrance Day ceremony held?
The annual ceremony takes place at Veterans Park in downtown Port Coquitlam. The 2026 parade begins at 10:10 a.m. on November 11.
A Community United in Remembrance
From the volunteers organizing poppy trays to the individuals distributing them throughout Port Coquitlam, the annual Poppy Campaign reflects a shared commitment to remembering Canada's veterans.
Each poppy worn, each donation made, and every hour volunteered helps keep that tradition alive while providing support for those who have served and their families.
As Remembrance Day approaches, residents are encouraged to wear a poppy, support the local campaign, and take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of Canadians.
Lest we forget.
For more information about the local campaign, volunteering, or supporting veterans in the community, visit the Port Coquitlam Legion Branch 133 website.
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