VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Veterans who need the help are in luck this year with many who hand out poppies pleased with this year’s campaign around the Lower Mainland.

Jim Howard with the Vancouver Poppy Fund says not only have they had less theft this year, they’ve also had more donations.  “Judging by the amount of product like the poppies that are going out of here, it’s really going to be a good year.”

He adds this year they’ve amped up security in Vancouver to prevent people from stealing the donation boxes.  Howard says in Vancouver many of those helped are veterans who would be living on the streets or going hungry.

The money also comes through for older veterans and their widows.  “The older fellows now are in need.  They aren’t being looked after by society, they’re down to their last pennies.”

Howard says if you’re still wondering why you should buy one it’s because, “we owe these people, this is the reason why we’re living in the country and we’re in with the freedom we have.”

You also shouldn’t throw your poppy out or re-use it.  When Remembrance Day is over, you should place it in a cemetery or at the foot of a war memorial, Howard suggests.