Meet the volunteers who hand out poppies

In the days leading up to Remembrance Day, Canadians across the country pin poppies on their chests as a symbol of their heartfelt thanks to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for freedom. 

Trays full of remembrance poppies are found in stores and nowadays, less frequently, handed out by volunteers.

"We could always use more volunteers," said Larry Carlson, who has been volunteering with the Royal Canadian Legion for 50 years. "We're a little short this year, but we are doing the best we can."

This year, Carlson is in charge of the poppy fund for the Legion's Branch No. 179 on Vancouver's Commercial Drive.

A common misconception is that volunteers must be veterans in order to hand out poppies. But all that is required is that volunteers be members of the Royal Canadian Legion or a trusted friend or visitor.

Like, Mollie Kuz, 81, who, on Thursdays, is often found playing bingo at the Legion's Commercial Drive branch. That's where Kuz got the idea to volunteer.

"When Larry asked for volunteers, I didn't see too many hands go up, so I thought … why not?" said Kuz. 

Kuz's husband passed away in June from cancer, so volunteering her time poppy tagging has been a nice getaway.

"You would be surprised how generous people are, especially the little guys. They insist on having a flower," she said.

"They tell their moms 'Stop, I want a flower,' " she said.

For veteran Ralph Jackson, 90, handing out poppies gives him a chance to teach younger generations about the war.

"You do the best you can, it was a terrible war you know," said Jackson, an ex-Scots guardsman who trained commandos during the Second World War.

"Had we not won the war, you and I would not be speaking right now," he said. 

Jackson and his wife of 62 years, Ruth, field questions and exchange stories with dozens of people at Vancouver's Oakridge Mall. It doesn't take long for his tray to empty out. 

All the donations that are collected go directly to the Poppy Trust Fund - a separate account that has strict guidelines to ensure the money is used for veterans in need and their families.

The money goes to helping veterans with food, essential home repairs, medication, and clothing.

"It all comes from poppies and it helps remind people that people actually lost lives for us to have our freedom," said Robert Cowley, 54, who used to fight forest fires in the Okanagan until he was forced to retire after an accident.

With Canadian veterans growing older, May Mani says she volunteers to raise money for the younger veterans.

"We have young people who are going overseas to help us and they need our help too and we forget that," said Mani, who has been a Legion member for 25 years.

Tens of thousands of volunteers from across the country continue to dedicate their time to honour the men and women who died for their country in wartime..

"To honour them and to give my time to the fallen soldiers, actually I am serving them, not the legion, not me, but the people who died for our country," said 78-year-old Resurrection Laura.