The Poppy is a tradition that dates back 101 years.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was inspired to pen 'In Flanders Fields' and the poem has resonated with Canadians young and old to remember those who have fought and lost their lives for our freedom.

Every year, the Legion conducts the poppy campaign from the last Friday in October until Remembrance Day, when thousands of volunteers across the country donate time raising money and awareness for veterans and their families.

David Usherwood, Cochrane Legion First Vice President and Poppy Chairman, says the poppy campaign of 2016 has been going very well, and no cases of theft have been reported in the Cochrane area.

"I am being very optimistic that the community will make 2016 a record year. Hats off to the community for being supportive and being respectful of the poppy boxes out there, so it's a very good year for Cochrane and poppy donations."

Usherwood says along with many volunteers, there are over 200 boxes in Cochrane retailers who have helped collect donations for the campaign.

"The donations for receiving a poppy go into a trust account. That money is in trust for payback donations to the community to Veterans related organizations."

Usherwood says the funds can be used to cover lodges where Veterans' and their families are housed, to support them through the Activettes food bank, and Cochrane's Cadet organizations.

This year the Cochrane Legion is also supporting the Calgary Veteran's Food Bank whose shelves a couple weeks ago were almost bare.

Usherwood says so far three loads of non-perishables have been taken into Calgary in support of area veterans.

"The community came forward, and again very supportive of the Legion, and Legion endeavors."

Usherwood believes over the past few years the poppy fund has roughly donated back $30,000 to the Cochrane community to various charities, organizations and activities related to our local veterans.