Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 475 Poppy Trust Fund

The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 475 Poppy Trust Fund is a registered charity in Canada, designated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with a registration number of 816783500RR0001. This organization operates as part of the broader Royal Canadian Legion network, which is dedicated to providing support to Canadian veterans, their families, and promoting remembrance activities.

Purpose and Activities

The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 475, like other local branches, uses its Poppy Trust Fund to provide financial assistance and support to veterans, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), along with their families in need. These funds are raised through various means, including the annual Poppy Campaign, which is organized by local Legion volunteers across Canada.

Educational and Community Initiatives

Branch 475 promotes the remembrance of veterans' sacrifices through educational initiatives, such as participating in the annual Royal Canadian Legion Poster/Literacy contests in schools. These activities aim to raise awareness about the importance of remembrance and the contributions of veterans to Canadian society.

Funding and Operations

Donations to Royal Canadian Legion branches, including Branch 475, are placed in trust and strictly controlled to ensure they are used for the designated purposes, as outlined in the Legion's Poppy Manual. Funding can be applied for by eligible organizations to support projects directly related to veterans and their families. Eligible expenditures include professional fees, administrative costs, and project-related expenses.

The Royal Canadian Legion's operations at the branch level are managed by volunteers who are accountable for Poppy Fund expenditures. They are required to report on the use of these funds through local media outlets, ensuring transparency and accountability in their financial management.

Registered Charity Status

As a registered charity, the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 475 Poppy Trust Fund complies with all relevant CRA regulations, enabling donors to receive tax receipts for their contributions. This status allows the organization to focus on its charitable mission and raise funds efficiently.