‘Pay Tribute’ boxes return for this year’s National Poppy Campaign

Tap to give. It's that easy.

The HSBC “Pay Tribute” boxes are being offered once again this year during The Royal Canadian Legion's National Poppy Campaign, which kicked off on October 29th.

“It's important to modernize the way we do things,” said Nujma Bond, the Communications Manager for The Royal Canadian Legion, “to make it easier for people to support our veterans, and also make it easier for them to learn about remembrance and the importance of it.”

Following a successful pilot project in 2020, the electronic boxes are now available at 1000 locations across Canada, including at all HSBC Bank branches, some Legion Branches, and select retail locations.

“Last year we had 250,” Bond added, “we made the change because people were embracing that method and they wanted to see more locations… I think in the future we'll see many more.”

The boxes provide an easy way to donate, especially for those who don't typically carry cash with them.

“People are looking for options,” Bond said, “you can use your tap enable device or card, and you can tap three different amounts – $2, $5, and $10 … and any variation thereof.”

Donors are able to pick up a lapel poppy right at the electronic box.

It's also a very special year for the poppy – its 100th anniversary as the symbol of remembrance.

“The idea was presented to the precursor to the Legion back in 1921,” added Bond, “people were thinking about, even then, remembering our veterans and what they meant, and how the freedoms we enjoy today are as a result of their sacrifices.”

The 100th anniversary will be the theme of the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa, as well as other parts of the country.

For more information, and for other ways to donate, you can visit The Royal Canadian Legion's website.