'I’m ready to go': Toronto woman crafts paper poppies to support Veterans
In a home festooned with bright paper poppies, you’ll find their creator hard at work, amidst a stack of red and black tissue paper.
“I just thought, you know, my dad would really love this if he were here,” said Margot Rockett, who decided to make poppies in his honour, and for all those who’ve served.
“I just think there’s an opening for a poppy on a door, like a wreath. I think it’s a really good visual symbol that this household, this family, these people, are recognizing, you know, veterans, and supporting the poppy fund.”
The Beach native says she started crafting these home-made poppies last fall, because COVID-19 was keeping people indoors.
“I read news reports that the poppy campaign was going to love funds because of COVID.”
The 57-year-old’s father, Lloyd, was a veteran, who spent the last years of his life at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.
“My father got the best care possible, and I felt that, you know, the poppy fund supports long-term care facilities like Sunnybrook, but they also support home care,” said Rockett.
Rockett charges $10 per large poppy, and $4 for their smaller counterparts, with all the proceeds going to the Poppy Fund.
“I raised almost $800 last year, so I’m hoping to surpass that this year.”
Last fall, Rockett says she was up until 2 a.m. some nights, trying to get orders completed. However, this November, she is going to have help.
“I have a great support system. I have friends, neighbours, family, that all want to help me make the poppy. So if there’s a big demand, I’ve got a team, I’m ready to go.”
If you live in Toronto and want a door poppy, you can text: 647-208-5388 to place your order. Rockett says she and/or one of her friends will even deliver, if you live in the East End.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.