Orangeville Poppy Project

The Orangeville Poppy Project is a grassroots initiative that was started between an Orangeville resident and the Orangeville Public Library in early 2022. The idea was inspired by other municipalities that had taken on similar projects to create a display of knit and crochet poppies in honour of Remembrance Day. 

Background

Leading into October 2022, the project was opened up to the community with a call for crochet and knit poppies to cover panels that would be attached to the clock tower in downtown Orangeville. 

At the end of October, numerous volunteers came out to help attach over 3,000 handmade crochet and knit poppies to panels. These panels were attached to the clock tower during the period of Remembrance.

This special project was created in consultation with the Orangeville Legion – Royal Canadian Legion Branch 233.

Here’s a few facts about the project:

• It was spearheaded by community champion, Laura Austin, after she heard about similar projects in other communities.
• Many different community groups and individuals were involved in the project, crocheting and knitting the poppies, and helping attach them to the panels. Groups including church groups, the Lord Dufferin Centre, local seniors groups, Orange thREADS, horticultural society, and local Brownies and Scouts
• In order to put this project together, the library had to receive authorization for use of the poppy – this is because the poppy image is actually trademarked.
• The project received congratulations from the Minister of Veterans Affairs.
• The poppies can ONLY be displayed during the Remembrance Period
• A lot of hard work, passion, and community spirit went into this project, and it is a unique way for Orangeville to pay respect to our veterans and those whose lives have been lost.
• The project exceeded its target of 2,022 handmade poppies.