Mississippi Mills Community Poppy Project returns for third year with ambitious 2026 goal

The spirit of remembrance and local pride continues to flourish in the community as the Mississippi Mills Community Poppy Project enters its third year and Mayor Christa Lowry is rallying residents to help honour local veterans with a growing sea of handcrafted poppies.

In a public social media post over the weekend, Mayor Lowry praised the initiative as a powerful example of community unity and gratitude. “There is a special kind of heart that beats in a community when we roll up our sleeves together to say ‘thank you,’” said Lowry. “In Mississippi Mills, this has taken shape in thousands and thousands of hand-knitted and hand-crocheted poppies to thank local veterans of today and yesterday.”

Since its inception, the project has received a lot of support and participation, with more than 400 volunteers contributing to the creation of over 18,000 poppies to date. These handmade tributes have been displayed throughout the community at varying locations to serve as an unmistakable visual symbol of remembrance and respect.

The Community Poppy Project is led by coordinator Mary Rozenberg, whose dedication has been central to its success. Mayor Lowry extended special thanks for Rozenberg’s leadership and vision, noting the countless volunteer hours that have brought the initiative to life.

Volunteer organizers are now setting their sights on an ambitious goal for 2026. The group is hoping to create an additional 7,000 poppies in the coming months, saying they have seen new locations express interest in hosting displays.

Community members of all skill levels are encouraged to get involved and can contribute in several ways, including knitting or crocheting poppies, assisting with assembly and installation of the poppies, or helping with maintenance tasks to preserve the displays.

Lowry clarified that poppies for the 2026 installations must be submitted by Sept. 15 and can be dropped off at several locations across the municipality, including the Levi Home Hardware Building Centre, the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, Orchard View Gardens, Textile Traditions of Almonte, Almonte Old Town Hall, and the Almonte and Pakenham branches of the Mississippi Mills Public Library.

Community members interested in volunteering or obtaining the official poppy pattern are encouraged to contact the project coordinator directly at mary@interlinkx.com.