The Legion Branch 59 poppy chairman Beryl Currie presented Carol Isaman of Stettler Hospital with a cheque from the poppy fund to purchase a palliative bed for the hospital, on Friday, Nov. 6.
The Poppy Fund is an account held in trust by the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command authorities.
"This money cannot be utilized for anything relating to branch expenses or benefits to members," said Currie. "It is strictly for the veterans' use and comfort."
Weighing in on the same issue, Rosalind LaRose, Alberta and Northwestern Territories District 4 Commander said, "The procedure to spend even one nickel, from the fund is highly monitored, and misuse of any monies from the fund will bring the branch into jeopardy."
Although cadet corps requests and bursaries may be approved, there is a process of approval, too.
"The local branch receives a request or considers a need for funds to be utilized from the Poppy Fund, which is then taken to a branch general meeting and a motion is made to accept the request, seconded and carried," added LaRose. "From there, the request is sent to the Royal Canadian Legion District Commander and if it is $1,000 or under it may be approved at this level, but if it is over this amount, the request is then approved by the dominion commander and forwarded to the AB/NWT (provincial) command office for final approval."
According to Susan Mitchell, president, Legion Branch 59, an annual Poppy Fund statement is submitted annually to dominion command for approval.
"Every cent of the fund is accounted for," said Mitchell.
Among the many projects that the Poppy Fund has contributed to is the palliative bed, the cost of which was $15,000 approximately.
"Branch 59, Stettler has donated thousands of dollars in our community to the help and need of veterans' and seniors," said LaRose. "The Stettler Health Foundation and Senior Housing Facilities are the main recipients to have benefited from the Poppy Fund."
The Legion representatives were extremely grateful to the generous donations of the community.
"We would like to thank all the hard working volunteers who make the campaign successful each year and to all citizens of the community, who purchase a poppy to wear proudly in memory of our loved ones, and donate to the campaign," said LaRose. "This is what makes it possible for our branch to donate back to our community."
Some of the other projects that the Poppy Fund has contributed to are University of Alberta Rehabilitation Chair, Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service, County of Stettler Housing, Meals on Wheels, bursaries and Calgary Veterans' Food Bank.