UXBRIDGE: Do you know what inspired the Uxbridge Poppy Project?
The Poppy Project began after Laura Taylor-Shields, creator of the Poppy Project, saw the Niagara Poppy Project on social media.
According to Ms. Taylor-Shields, organizers of the Niagara project were asking people to donate poppies for the display they were planning to create. So, Ms. Taylor-Shields, along with a few co-workers made some poppies to donate to the project.
“Once the poppies were on display, I went to see it in person,” she said. She was very excited to see the final display in Niagara that year.
Seeing the completed display inspired her to create her own Poppy Project in Uxbridge.
“After seeing the display in Niagara Falls, I thought it was a great, bold way to show support to our veterans; past and present,” explained Ms. Taylor-Shields. “Uxbridge has always shown great support for our veterans. I felt this would be a great addition.”
With the help of Gloria Eng, chair of the poppy campaign chair from the Uxbridge Legion, Ms. Taylor-Shields’ dream became a reality.
So, In January 2021, Ms. Taylor-Shields created a few posts on social media explaining the poppy project. Later in November, the first display from the Uxbridge Poppy Project was created.
Whenever Ms. Taylor-Shields hangs up the displays for the project, she said she is usually greeted with compliments from members of the Uxbridge community.
Many people have thanked Ms. Taylor-Shields for her efforts and for bringing the Poppy Project to Uxbridge.
“This year a small group of visitors stopped to talk to me, loving the display, telling me I should bring this display to Toronto,” she said.
For Ms. Taylor-Shields, the best part of the Poppy Project happens after the displays are completed.
“Taking a walk about, seeing the pop of red poppies thru town. Then taking another walk in the evening. It's quite, the town’s lighting by the [cenotaph] adds a solemn vibe to the display,” she said.
The biggest challenge of creating the Poppy Project was “selling” the idea to Uxbridge Council and the groups providing input on where the displays would be placed.
“My idea was whittled down by these groups,” she said. Then she approached a few stores in downtown Uxbridge, asking if they would be open to displaying the poppies in their storefront windows.
“I was hoping to create something that would encourage people to get out of their cars and walk the downtown area [and] look in the windows, which may have also encouraged people to see what our businesses have to offer. I thought it would help them,” she explained.
Some business did not feel the same.
“Unfortunately, the commercialism of Christmas competes with giving/showing some respect to our veterans when it comes to retail, no matter what town or city [you’re from],” she said.
However, there were businesses that showed support.
For example, Preston Gallery added one of the poppy displays and allowed people to drop off poppies at their location. Other supporters included Woods Clothing and Uxbridge Shoes.
Another challenge for Ms. Shields was finding funding for the project. She said, while other towns and cities may have received government funding for their Poppy Projects, she wasn’t so lucky.
“I had to pay for the bits and pieces I needed to create displays,” she said. “I ended up creating some items to sell off, to cover that. At the end of each poppy display, I donated the left over money to the Uxbridge Legion Poppy Campaign.”
Poppies can be dropped off year-round at the Uxbridge Legion, inside the rear doors. You can also drop them off at the Preston Gallery in Uxbridge.
To learn more about the Uxbridge Poppy Project please see their Facebook Page at ‘Uxbridge Poppy project’.