A new ride on the roads

Meet “The Poppy”. Maybe you’ve already seen it out on the streets of London – covered in giant red poppies, it’s hard to miss.

The Poppy is the new accessible bus for St. Joseph’s Veterans Care Program. From medical appointments and shopping outings to hockey games and museum visits, trips into the community are part of daily life for the people who reside in the program. And these veterans and military personnel need to travel safely, comfortably and in style.

Thanks to generous donations from branches of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Ladies Auxiliaries, residents are now enjoying rides in the state-of-the-art vehicle. The idea for the bus was sparked two years ago when Brian Harris, Provincial Poppy Chair for The Royal Canadian Legion, met with Sherry Frizzell, Director, Veterans Care Program, to discuss a “special project” to improve the lives of the veterans – something above and beyond their normal giving. Frizell suggested the veterans could use a new ride, and legion branches brought it to life through poppy funds.

Hitting the streets

It’s already a big hit at Parkwood Institute. Residents were eager for the bus to arrive, and even sent in name suggestions. For its maiden voyage, several veterans rode the bus to the London Knights game on November 8 where they enjoyed VIP status and box seats to honour their service and sacrifice.

Two veterans were invited to do a ceremonial puck drop at the game: Helen Anderson, age 99, who joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in WWII and spent a lifelong career in nursing; and Frank Labodi, age 59, who has dedicated his life to helping others as a NATO medic.

A few days later, some of the veterans took the bus to London’s cenotaph to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony. When The Poppy pulled up, community members in attendance gave them a round of applause.

Celebrating remarkable support

St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation hosted a special event in the Western Counties Wing to proudly unveil the new bus and celebrate the generosity of the Legion branches in early December. The resident choir sang a spirited O Canada to kick off the event and guests cut into a bus-shaped cake.

Frizzell spoke to legion branch members in the crowd and shared her gratitude for enhancing the lives of the veterans. “The thoughtfulness and generosity you’ve shown to the veterans is remarkable,” she shared. “We’re already racking up the miles on this bus.”

For the veterans, the new bus represents independence and opportunity. A driver was outside of Parkwood Institute during the unveiling for Legion branch members and residents to take a tour. Care team members with special licenses will be the daily drivers, and it’s outfitted with a special lift to accommodate people using wheelchairs or mobility aids.  

Harris was thrilled to see The Poppy in person and spend time with the veterans who he considers family. As Poppy Chair for the past six years, he’s involved with legion branches and veteran care programs across the province. But he feels a special connection to St. Joseph’s as a Londoner himself.

“This means they have the freedom to go where they want, when they want,” Harris says. “I want to thank all the branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries who answered this call to help. This was our first special project and there will be many more in the future.”

Your Donation Matters Here

Your gift will support vital care and comfort items that help make Parkwood Institute feel more like a home for residents of the Veterans Care Program.

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