Lest We Forget

Whaler Caleb Cruz (left) is flanked by Thrifty Foods assistant manager Melissa and Cooper De Waal (right) Nov. 4.

Whalers volunteer for 2021 poppy campaign.

WHITE ROCK – Remembrance Day is when we pay respect to veterans, especially those who “lost their lives, and who continue to serve our country,” said Whaler goalie Kyle Spak.

Kyle Spak and Travis Smythe in Semiahmoo Mall Nov. 3. “We want to do our part to show our appreciation and gratitude to our veterans who have sacrificed so much,” Spak said.

Spak and his teammates are assisting the local Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 008, in the annual poppy fundraiser. All donations directly support veterans, their families, and also police officers.

The Whalers recognize the “financial support needed to help the Legion,” Spak commented before his two-hour shift to sell poppies Nov. 3.

“We want to do our part to show our appreciation and gratitude to our veterans who have sacrificed so much.”

Chris Voisey and his wife Carol are in charge of the Legion’s fundraiser. The last two years, the Legion “raised over $98,000,” Chris said.

He also mentioned a somber milestone: in 1921, the poppy was officially recognized as the flower – and symbol – of remembrance.

Now, a century later, the Whalers will volunteer in the evening at Semiahmoo Mall, Morgan Crossing and Peninsula Village.

This act is “important to me as we should remember those that fought for our freedom,” said Whaler Travis Smythe Nov 3. The 16-year-old rookie sold poppies at Semiahmoo Mall.

New Whalers Owen Thibodeau (left) and Jacob Dorohoy prepare to greet shoppers at the Real Canadian Superstore Nov. 9.

Pod rookie Zachary Johns sells poppies at the Shoppers drug Mart, Semiahmoo Mall on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Mathew Morison (left) and alternate captain Butch La Roue raise funds on behalf of veterans Nov. 8.

Ewan Rennie (left) and alternate captain Matt Burry sell poppies during a two-hour shift Nov. 10. Burry leads the Whalers with nine goals so far.

Captain Tyler Price (left) and alternate captain Chris Fortems prepare for their two-hour shift to help the Legion Nov. 8.

Veteran defenceman Bryce Margetson chats with Thrifty Foods supervisor Marisha Nov. 9.

Whalers captain Tyler Price sells a poppy alongside teammate Chris Fortems.

Andrew Fishwick (left) and goalie Daniel Zuvic wait to greet shoppers in Safeway Nov. 10.