Erin women donating poppy banner to Legion
Poppy Project began as extension of Equine Erin's war horse theme to commemorate Legion’s 100th anniversary
ERIN – A group of local women has been hard at work the last two months, putting together a rather large banner of crocheted and knitted poppies.
The group consists of crafters, quilting guild members and Equine Erin officials.
The Poppy Project, as they call it, began in early September as an extension of the war horse theme of the Equine Erin tent at the Erin Fall Fair, which commemorated the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary.
Local residents picked up poppy-making kits from local libraries, the fair and other participating groups, and donated their finished products to the equine tent so they could be sewn onto a long banner, which would later be donated to the Erin Legion.
Spearheading the project are Kelly Counsell-O’Callaghan, Eileen Brown and Bridget Ryan.
“I think the three of them got it to going … to have it at the fair ... and then it sort of just took off from there,” said Poppy Project member Debi Clare.
While the exact number is unclear, the banner includes hundreds of poppies, with a mix of red and purple.
The lesser-known purple poppy pays tribute to the many animals who served beside soldiers on the battlefield, including dogs, cats, horses and even birds.
The poppy blanket will be presented to the Erin Legion on Nov. 7, prior to the Remembrance dinner and dance.
