POPPY donation box as this was stolen on November 1.
The owner of a popular Long Branch pizzeria is red hot today after someone stole a poppy donation box with the cash inside that was meant for members of the Royal Canadian Legion.
The donation boxes are a major part of the Legion’s fundraising campaign around Remembrance Day, on November 11. The legions have been hit hard for funds after being forced to shut their income-earning rental halls due to COVID-19.
VETERANS robbed of donations made by the patriotic area residents. Courtesy photo.
“It is very disappointing,” says Adrian, of Adriano’s Pizza and Pasta, at 3329 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Thirtieth Street area. “This money is to help the veterans who fought for this country.”
The well-known pizzeria has been in the community for a long time and is a proud supporter of many area charities.
Adrian has been known to give out free slices, even clothing, to the homeless or those in need.
He says the theft occurred on November 1 after a woman came in for a slice but did not have enough money.
The pizza maker offered her a slice for free.
He says the poppy donation box and woman disappeared as he was in the kitchen preparing a slice. There was no one else in the store.
“There was some money inside the box,” he explains. “It is a terrible thing to rob the veterans.”
He recalls police was not called and the woman did not return.
Adrian says he seen the woman in the area before.
Also, residents are being reminded that there are four places in the community to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Poppies can be obtained until November 10 at the Long Branch Legion, Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W., with all proceeds going to the Poppy Fund.
On November 11, there is a sunrise service at 7 a.m. at the New Toronto Monument at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, near Kipling Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W.
There are 11 a.m. ceremonies also taking place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W., just west of Brown’s Line.
There is another 11 a.m. service at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 643, at 110 Jutland Rd., near Islington Ave.
And a fourth taking place at 11 a.m. at the Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 West Mall.
COVID-19 rules in place.