'Sadly, it happens every year': 2 poppy boxes stolen from Edmonton drug stores
A poppy box seen at the Norwood Legion Branch on Nov. 5, 2024. (David Ewasuk/CTV News Edmonton)
The Norwood branch of the Edmonton Legion had two of their poppy boxes stolen ahead of Remembrance Day earlier this week.
Greg Laskey, the former president of the Norwood Legion Branch, said it's an occurrence he's all too familiar with.
"Sadly, it happens every year," Laskey told CTV News Edmonton on Tuesday.
The two boxes were stolen from different Shoppers Drug Mart locations on Sunday and Monday this week. Laskey said with poppy box thefts becoming more common, organizers from the legion are looking for ways to make stealing the donation boxes more difficult to loot.
"We had talked of metal boxes and locking them up, but … the cost would be prohibitive," the former president said, adding that the electronic tap-to-donate boxes are also a viable option.
"There are (around) a thousand tap boxes that are available Canada-wide, and we have those distributed in some locations in the city," Laskey said. "Sadly, there's more locations that could use the tap boxes than we have boxes available."
According to Laskey, the Kingsway Legion Branch has 20 to 25 tap boxes available to distribute around the city.
There are even digital alternatives that support veterans.
"I've seen on Facebook, I think it's mypoppy.ca, you can have a virtual or digital poppy on your particular page and make a small donation that way."
Laskey said the two drug stores sent surveillance footage of the thefts to police adding he's "hopeful they are being investigated."
With files from CTV News Edmonton's David Ewasuk.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Edmonton Top Stories
-
LIVE @ 11:30 A.M. MTLIVE @ 11:30 A.M. MT Federal minister in Edmonton for health care improvement announcement
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING Earthquake strikes off California; tsunami warning issued
The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a tsunami warning for parts of California and Oregon after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the U.S. Pacific coast on Thursday.
LIVE UPDATES
LIVE UPDATES Health insurance CEO's wife says threats received prior to fatal shooting
The masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson used ammunition emblazoned with the words 'deny,' 'defend' and 'depose,' a law enforcement official said Thursday. Here's the latest.
Man wanted for military desertion turns himself in at Canada-U.S. border
A man wanted for deserting the U.S. military 16 years ago was arrested at the border in Buffalo, N.Y. earlier this week.
'At the dawn of a third nuclear age,' senior U.K. commander warns
The head of Britain’s armed forces has warned that the world stands at the cusp of a 'third nuclear age,' defined by multiple simultaneous challenges and weakened safeguards that kept previous threats in check.
BREAKING
BREAKING B.C. officials monitoring tsunami threat after 7.3M earthquake off California
Emergency management officials in British Columbia say they are monitoring for any potential tsunami threats after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off California on Thursday morning.
AI modelling predicts these foods will be hit hardest by inflation next year
The new year won’t bring a resolution to rising food costs, according to a new report that predicts prices to rise as much as five per cent in 2025.
Alleged Alberta Bitcoin extortionist, arsonist arrested
Authorities have arrested Finbar Hughes, a man wanted in connection with alleged plots in Calgary and Edmonton that threatened to burn victims' homes if they did not pay him Bitcoin ransoms.
Pete Davidson, Jason Sudeikis and other former 'SNL' cast members reveal how little they got paid
Live from New York, it’s revelations about paydays on 'Saturday Night Live.'
Congo government says it's 'on alert' over mystery flu-like disease that killed dozens
Congo’s health minister said Thursday the government is on alert over a mystery flu-like disease that in recent weeks killed dozens of people.
Calgary
-
WATCH LIVEWATCH LIVE Memorial for CTV Calgary broadcaster Darrel Janz
Please join us for a special presentation of the celebration of life for Darrel Janz, a longtime Calgary broadcaster who died last month.
-
Glenmore Landing redevelopment defeated by vote at Calgary council
Calgary city council has defeated a motion to rezone a piece of land in Glenmore Landing to allow for a high-density development in the area.
-
Not feeling the effects of the growing economy? Welcome to the ‘vibecession’
A new term is making the rounds to describe the current disconnect between economic forecasts and personal sentiment.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge peace officer charged in relation to more than 10-year-old incident
A Lethbridge police community peace officer has been charged with an off-duty incident stemming from more than 10 years ago.
-
Lethbridge homeless support facilities expanding to cope with increasing demand
Lethbridge has seen its population of people experiencing homelessness increase significantly over recent years, but help is coming, as construction is underway on an expansion of the Lethbridge Shelter.
-
Southern Alberta man sentenced in 2021 killing
A southern Alberta man has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years, less time served, in connection with a fatal attack on Linden Grier more than three years ago.
Saskatoon
-
'Acts of aggression' increase on Saskatoon Transit, violence against drivers drops
Mike Moellenbeck, director of Saskatoon Transit, said "acts of aggression" can be classified as an intent to do harm, but physical violence hasn't happened.
-
Ottawa providing more than $265M to help Sask. upgrade electrical grid, build renewable power projects
The federal government says it will be providing Saskatchewan with more than $265 million to help build more renewable power projects as well as modernize and upgrade the province’s electrical grid.
-
Saskatoon boy, 16, faces first-degree murder charge in death of woman found outside the Copper Mug
A 16-year-old boy faces a first-degree murder charge in the case of a woman found dead in an 8th Street parking lot last month.
Regina
-
Ottawa providing more than $265M to help Sask. upgrade electrical grid, build renewable power projects
The federal government says it will be providing Saskatchewan with more than $265 million to help build more renewable power projects as well as modernize and upgrade the province’s electrical grid.
-
Increased RCMP presence continues on White Bear First Nation
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crimes continues to investigate the suspicious death of a 33-year-old man on White Bear First Nation.
-
Saskatchewan singer receives surprise message from King Charles III
Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Jeffrey Straker received an early Christmas present recently, from King Charles III.
Vancouver
-
BREAKINGBREAKING B.C. officials monitoring tsunami threat after 7.3M earthquake off California
Emergency management officials in British Columbia say they are monitoring for any potential tsunami threats after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off California on Thursday morning.
-
B.C. launches review of 911 services after complaints about costs, transparency
British Columbia is launching a review of the province's 911 emergency service after complaints about escalating costs and lack of transparency.
-
B.C. artist fills front yard with towering stone sculptures
You may notice the swirling symbol that he “painted” with a power-washer on the sidewalk first.
Vancouver Island
-
BREAKING
BREAKING B.C. officials monitoring tsunami threat after 7.3M earthquake off California
Emergency management officials in British Columbia say they are monitoring for any potential tsunami threats after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off California on Thursday morning.
-
Creative Taylor Swift fans craft ways around bracelet rules for Vancouver shows
When BC Place stadium announced a ban on loose objects and large bags for Taylor Swift's upcoming shows in Vancouver, it put some Swifties in a bind — what to do with the hundreds of friendship bracelets that are traditionally swapped at the superstar's shows?
-
B.C. launches review of 911 services after complaints about costs, transparency
British Columbia is launching a review of the province's 911 emergency service after complaints about escalating costs and lack of transparency.
Toronto
-
'It was like I was brainwashed': 2 Ontarians lose $230K to separate AI-generated cryptocurrency ad scams
Two Ontarians collectively lost $230,000 after falling victim to separate AI-generated social media posts advertising fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
-
'Enough is enough:' Doug Ford says municipalities will be given 'enhanced tools' to respond to encampments
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is promising new legislation to target homeless encampments around the province and is threatening to use the notwithstanding clause to get it done.
-
GTA gears up for another week of snow and rain
Environment Canada says GTA residents can expect more snow and showers in the coming week, as the sun beams down after the first snow.
Montreal
-
WEATHERWEATHER Montreal hit with first major snow fall of the year
Montrealers woke up on Thursday to the first real dump of snow as winter looks ready to set in.
-
The majority of 17-month-old babies in Quebec use a screen every day: study
Screens have found their way into families and are now an integral part of everyday life. Even under the age of two, babies in Quebec are using screens every day. Toddlers from low-income households use screens more frequently, according to a report by the Quebec statistics institute (ISQ) published on Thursday.
-
Montreal posts big home sales gains in November as median prices continue to rise
Montreal-area home sales rose 47 per cent in November compared with a year ago as the province's real estate board says the region saw the second-most activity for the month since 2000.
Atlantic
-
Weather update: Conditions in the Maritimes change Thursday night
In the thick of a mix of snow and rain, accompanied in some cases by high winds, the Maritimes will see a change in weather conditions Thursday night into Friday.
-
Storm brings snow, wind and rain to the Maritimes; some N.B. schools closed Thursday
A number of weather warnings remain in place across the Maritimes Thursday due to an early December storm that’s bringing snow, strong winds and rain to the region.
-
Police search for Halifax bank robber who fled on bike
Halifax Regional Police are searching for a suspect in connection with a robbery at a city bank.
Winnipeg
-
Massive spike in Jordan’s Principle spending, Manitoba requests
In the last five years, the number of approved Jordan’s Principle requests and the subsequent spending have nearly tripled.
-
'Iconic Winnipeg Christmas tradition': A look at Canada Life's Three Wise Men statues
A sign of the jolliest time of year is once again making its appearance near downtown Winnipeg, signalling the start of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
-
'There's a nostalgia': The Garry Theatre’s silver screen set to shine again
The Garry Theatre sits vacant and shuttered on Manitoba Avenue in Selkirk. Inside, posters for movies that never got the chance to run still cling to its walls. But the silver screen is set to shine once again in the City of Selkirk.
Ottawa
-
Federal government announces $8 million funding investment for Ottawa’s Bronson Centre
Ottawa’s Bronson Centre is getting a major upgrade after the federal government announced an $8 million investment Thursday.
-
Ottawa family urge government to approve husband and father's paperwork to get him back from Lebanon
Being home for the holidays is a common desire at this time of year, but for one Ottawa family, they say it's a life-saving request.
-
OPP RIDE checks in Ottawa Valley find 0 impaired drivers last week
Ontario Provincial Police say the second week of their Festive RIDE campaign in the Upper Ottawa Valley turned up zero impaired drivers.
Northern Ontario
-
Four transport truck drivers charged in northern Ont. collisions on Hwy. 11
Bad weather and bad driving contributed to multiple collisions on Highway 11 on Wednesday, leading to charges for several commercial motor vehicle drivers.
-
Suspect from Manitoulin Island charged in carjacking near Estaire, second suspect still at large
Two people, including a 37-year-old Manitoulin Island man, are facing charges after an armed carjacking south of Sudbury last week.
-
Layoffs at Vale's Sudbury operations not affecting members of Local 6500
Some non-union staff at Vale in the Sudbury area are being laid off, but the company is not saying how many and what positions are being affected.
Barrie
-
Snow squall warning issued for Simcoe County, with up to 50 cm of snow possible
Snow squall warnings for most of central Ontario with snow accumulations up to 50 centimetres likely.
-
Crews attend 2 separate tractor-trailer collisions on Hwy 11
Heavy tow equipment was called to two separate collisions involving tractor-trailers Wednesday evening along Highway 11 as snow squalls picked up through the area making driving conditions messy.
-
Barrie mayor applauds Ford's pledge to help deal with homeless encampments in public spaces
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall is applauding Ontario Premier Doug Ford for his pledge to back municipalities dealing with homeless encampments in public spaces.
Kitchener
-
developingdeveloping Arrest made, replica firearm seized, after early morning standoff in Stratford
One woman has been sent to hospital as Stratford Police investigate an intimate violence investigation Thursday morning.
-
One person sent to hospital after collision near Brantford
One person was sent to hospital after a collision involving a tractor trailer and a pedestrian near Brantford early Thursday morning.
-
jeewan chanicak no longer Waterloo Regional District School Board director
The Waterloo Region District School Board is under new leadership.
London
-
Digital billboard comes loose over Veterans Memorial Parkway
Emergency crews on scene at Veterans Memorial Parkway near Gore Road for a large digital billboard came loose from an overpass and is hanging down blocking traffic.
-
Conditions deteriorate, road closures and hydro outages reported
If you’re begging for the snow to stop, unfortunately reprieve is not on the way just yet.
-
Increased police presence in relation to reported missing person
OPP and London police are notifying the public of an increased police presence as it relates to a person reported missing. The presence will be in the area of Hawk Cliff Road at Dexter Line in Union, Ont., north of Port Stanley.
Windsor
-
14-year-old boys charged with gunpoint robbery and kidnapping
Windsor police officers have arrested two 14-year-old boys related to a kidnapping and gunpoint robbery in south Windsor.
-
Hit-and-run crash investigated at St. Clair College MediaPlex building
Windsor police say they are investigating a hit-and-run crash at the St. Clair College MediaPlex building.
-
'Enough is enough:' Doug Ford says municipalities will be given 'enhanced tools' to respond to encampments
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is promising new legislation to target homeless encampments around the province and is threatening to use the notwithstanding clause to get it done.
