The Royal Canadian Legion branch 124 will be raising awareness for its annual poppy campaign on Friday in advance of Remembrance Day with a flag raising ceremony at town hall in Virgil.

The poppy campaign runs from Friday, Oct. 27 through to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

Poppy boxes will be available at more than 200 businesses throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake and members from the branch will be there to meet with members of the public.

All donations to the poppy campaign will go to supporting veterans and their families.

Other events leading up to Remembrance Day include a free dinner for veterans – veterans need not be members of branch 124 – on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Legion, located at 410 King St. with cocktails at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the branch and can be picked up at the bar or office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Veterans in need of assistance can bring their caregiver as well. Tickets are available for non-military personnel at a cost of $20 each.

Remembrance Day services will be held at each of the three long-term care facilities in town on Nov. 9. Services are scheduled for Pleasant Manor (10:30 a.m.), Niagara Long Term Care (1 p.m.) and Upper Canada Lodge (3 p.m.)

Then, on Nov. 11, Remembrance Day services will take place starting at 10.50 a.m. at the cenotaph on Queen Street and at 1 p.m. at the Queenston cenotaph.

Groups that wish to participate in the parade are being encouraged to contact the legion office.

For those groups or individuals looking to lay a wreath during the ceremonies, they need to have their wreath order submitted by Tuesday, Nov. 7.