NEWS RELEASE
COLLINGWOOD BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA (BIA)
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The Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA), in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63, is pleased to announce that the Veterans Banner program – a project initiated in 2018 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the end of the First World War – will continue in 2023.
For several years, Collingwood Downtown has installed poppy banners on our light standards to recognize Remembrance Day and the sacrifices made to ensure our freedom. For the past five years, veterans banners were added with pictures of our service men and women, hung on virtually every light standard in the downtown. The response to the program has been overwhelming, with more than 100 banners honouring our veterans, produced to date.
For the 2023 project, Collingwood Downtown will again be assuming all production and installation costs of these banners. Family members, friends and businesses who would like to recognize a veteran will be able to purchase a banner by making a $100 donation the Legion’s poppy fund. Please note that the deadline for submission for the program is Friday, Sept. 8.
“This banner program is a conscientious effort to recognize the sacrifice made by many members of our community," said Susan Nicholson, general manager of Collingwood Downtown BIA. "If you have a family member who you would like to see on a banner in the downtown consider finding a good photograph of them during their time in service and join us in this unique project. One hundred per cent of your donation will go straight to the poppy fund. We will be accepting applications for veterans from all wars. Collingwood, let's show our pride in family, military service and for some families, the ultimate sacrifice.”
“Branch 63 of the Legion is very excited about this continuing program and ready to help in any way we can, said Donald Wilcox, the public relations officer for the Collingwood Legion. "This town is so lucky to have an organization such as the BIA to help keep the memory of those who fought and died and those who fought and came home to build a better country. On behalf of the Comrades of Branch 63 we thank the BIA for this ongoing program.”
Details as to how you can be involved in this unique project are available on the Collingwood Downtown website at collingwooddowntown.com; by email to snicholson@