Remembrance day is now only nine days away, and preparations are in full swing for the Swift Current Royal Canadian Legion.

The organization is busy making plans for the day, and are also selling poppies around the community.

Jim Pratt, a past president of the Swift Current Legion, said that a common misconception is that poppies raise funds for Legion operations.

"Those funds are held in trust, and they are designated for assistance to veterans or veterans families."

The organization has purchased equipment for care homes in Swift Current with the funds in the past.

"Last year, we bought a bariatric bed for The Meadows," Pratt said. "I believe that some of the funds from this year's campaign will be going to that sort of medical equipment for the seniors facilities in town."

Funds are also donated to bursaries for descendants of veterans at the Swift Current Comprehensive High School.

The poppy campaign will run right up until November 11.

An average of around $20,000 is raised from the Sale of poppies by the Swift Current Legion.

Aside from fundraisers, the Legion works to facilitate remembrance day ceremonies to remember those who served to keep Canada free.

On Remembrance Day, ceremonies kick off at 8:45 a.m. with a parade from the Legion to the Cenotaph, which is immediately followed by a wreath-laying at the Cenotaph. At 10:45 a.m., a service of remembrance will also be held at the Swift Current Comprehensive High School, followed by a lunch at 2 p.m at the Legion.

Pratt said that November 11 is a hectic day for Legion members.

"Once November 11 is over, I think most Legion members sort of heave a sigh of relief and say 'we did another one, we got another one under our belt.' It's a busy time of year, but certainly, one that we always look forward to."

"We do our small part to try and make sure that the public does not forget about the sacrifices that veterans made in order to give us the freedoms that we enjoy in our country today."

A Veterans Week flag raising will also take place at 10:00 a.m. this Monday at Market Square.