Re: The story in our local newspaper, “Legion upset about cut in poppy campaign hours at Costco store.”
The times were reduced to Nov. 2, 3, 9, and 10. They had been granted the entire two-week period in former years.
“Sad, dismayed and perplexed” are the words that come to mind.
Being ex-army and the son of a vet, words fail me, almost.
Dear Costco: Perhaps your company is unaware of the significance that the Legion and the poppy fund have for Canadians, steeped in the tradition born out of having fought in two world wars and numerous conflicts since. So many Canadians paid the ultimate price for what we are able to enjoy today.
Your company’s decision to curb the time honoured tradition of setting up at your location has not gone unnoticed.
Some points for your consideration:
May I still wear a poppy when I enter and shop at your location?
Will our currency, which bears Canada’s war memorial at Vimy Ridge and poppies around the side, still be accepted? Also the coins? What about the ones with pictures of our troops in their peacekeeping roles? Of course you will accept them. It’s just business, right.
When contacted by the local paper the manager said he was just following the corporate decision.
Dear corporate media relations department: Give your head a shake. Perhaps your moral compass should be re-calibrated. Stand behind our vets. Support them.
Rick Styles