Every Poppy Makes a Difference
Courtenay Legion Supports Diagnostic Imaging at Comox Valley Hospital
August 20, 2026 - A $20,000 donation from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17 was celebrated with a cheque presentation held in front of the Comox Valley Hospital. Showing above left to right: Rhonda Stevens, Co-Executive Director, Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation; Bob McDiarmid, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17 Courtenay; and Avry Janes, Co-Executive Director, Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation.
Each November, Canadians wear a poppy as a symbol of remembrance, honouring the sacrifices of those who have served our country. What many may not realize is that the annual Poppy Campaign also helps fund initiatives that strengthen communities and improve lives close to home.
The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation is proud to recognize a generous $20,000 donation from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17 in Courtenay, directed toward Diagnostic Imaging at Comox Valley Hospital.
Made possible through the Legion's annual Poppy Campaign, this gift reflects the generosity of community members who support remembrance efforts each year. Together, these contributions help transform acts of gratitude into meaningful investments in local healthcare.
For 27 years, the Courtenay Legion has been a dedicated partner of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation, contributing approximately $350,000 to support healthcare in the region. Their longstanding commitment has helped fund essential equipment and enhancements that benefit patients and families throughout the Comox Valley.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Courtenay Legion and everyone who contributes to the annual Poppy Campaign," said Rhonda Stevens, Co-Executive Director of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation. "This gift will help support diagnostic imaging services that are essential for timely diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care. The impact of this generosity will be felt by veterans, their families, and the broader community for years to come."
Diagnostic imaging plays a critical role in modern healthcare, helping clinicians diagnose illness and injury, monitor treatment, and make informed decisions about patient care. Investments in advanced imaging technology help ensure patients can access high-quality diagnostic services close to home.
"The Legion is proud to support healthcare initiatives that benefit veterans, their families, and the wider community," said Bob McDiarmid of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17. "We hope these new diagnostic imaging technologies will help ensure local residents have access to excellent diagnostics and healthcare for many years to come."
As Canadians prepare to wear the poppy once again this fall, this donation serves as a reminder that every act of remembrance helps create lasting impact. In the Comox Valley, those collective acts of remembrance continue to strengthen local healthcare and improve the patient experience.
The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17, its dedicated volunteers, and the many residents who support the Poppy Campaign each year. Together, they are creating a legacy of care for generations to come.