Poppy campaign in St. John's needs volunteers as branches feel effects of aging population

Pleasantville's Royal Canadian Legionis looking for people with a little spare time to help out with its poppy campaign.

The annual fundraiser kicks off Friday, but there are still more than 250shifts at poppy stands at various locations across the east end of St. John's left to be filled.

"As in most branches, of course, age has become a factor, and our branches are suffering the consequences of the aging population to the extent that this year we are down 261 positions that we can't man as of yet," said Branch 56 president Doug McCarthy.

The branch already has 60 volunteers taking on shifts at nine different locations, and is now appealing to the public to help fill in the gaps.

They're looking for volunteers available for four-hour shifts, which start Friday at9 a.m. and run until9 p.m.Nov. 10.

McCarthy said other legion branches in St. John's and the surrounding areaare also dealing with a shortage of volunteers, and some have cut back on locations while other are banding together to cover shifts.

Money raised from the poppy campaign is used to fund programs and services for veterans and their families.

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