Imagine crocheting literally thousands of poppies, and not for yourself or any profit, but for others.

That’s what Alanna Wong, who works for Transit Police, has completed, since she began crocheting poppies to raise money for her local Legion, in New Westminster. Since 2017, she’s raised over $20,000 for the Royal Canadian Legion, crocheting anywhere from 800 to 2000 poppies every year since.

Her caring gesture towards veterans accompanies her own connections to the military, from members of her family to her own husband completing military training with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Her handmade poppies are gorgeous, and sure to be a staple in November for years to come for those who purchase them. You can purchase your own at the Transit Police reception desk for only $5 (cash only), with all proceeds going to her local Legion. The Transit Police HQ is conveniently located near Sapperton Station.

Read our interview with her below and don’t forget to stop by and snag your own. This year, Alanna’s poppy proceeds are going towards the PoCo Royal Canadian Legion.

Whether you have a personal connection to veterans or military personnel, wearing the poppy over our hearts reminds us of all of those who came before us and who gave their lives for the world we live in today.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started crocheting?

I was born and raised on Vancouver Island. While attending university in 2003, I frequently visited an English instructor named Lynn during office hours to get free translations on my written assignments. I couldn’t read her writing unfortunately, but little did I know, it would inspire me to start crocheting.

While getting my free translations, Lynn was crocheting blankets the whole time. I showed an interest in crocheting, and she said she would teach me, and this is when I first started learning to crochet blankets.

What inspired you to crochet poppies specifically?

In 2014, while working at New Westminster Police Department, a colleague had asked if I could crochet her a poppy for Remembrance Day. Later that day I learned how to crochet a poppy and brought it in for her. My colleague advised she was getting a lot of compliments on the poppy. This inspired me to seek out businesses in New Westminster to see if anyone was interested in selling the poppies, with the idea in mind, that 100% of the proceeds would be donated to the Royal Canadian Legion.

The first business that sold poppies for me was Brick & Mortar Living in New Westminster. I would often crochet poppies on my lunch break and when I got home from work, and it was never enough to keep up with the demand.

Do you have a personal connection to veterans or the military that influences your work?

My grandfather Captain James Sutherland Chisholm Fraser, a relative of Simon Fraser, served with the Royal Canadian Army and was posted at Fort Rodd Hill, Victoria, BC. Captain Fraser went on to serve with the Royal Canadian Artillery in the European theatre of World War II and later successfully liberated Holland. He was wounded in action with shrapnel lodged close to his heart which was never removed and remained with him until his death in 1976. Captain James was an active Royal Canadian Legion member with the Malahat Branch 226.

My great-grandfather, Pte. J.S.C. Fraser, was also wounded in action while serving with The Queen’s Own Rifles in the Northwest Rebellion, in Saskatchewan.

My husband is a member with Vancouver Police Department and took basic military training as a reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Can you walk us through your process of creating these poppies?

It takes me 10 minutes to crochet a single poppy. I often shop Boxing Day sales to get needed materials at a discount to keep expenses down. The most important part of the process for creating these poppies is consistency (same sized hook, size/dimension of safety pin). I start with double crocheting the black centre for the flower and work in treble crochet for the red petals.

How did you decide to donate the proceeds to the local legion?

The poppy is a recognized symbol for the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign. It would feel wrong to accept any donations for myself. When I mail out poppies locally and internationally, I pay for shipping and materials out of my own pocket.

What has been the response from the community regarding your poppies?

Initially, when I first started selling poppies, I had some stores and people lecture me about how wrong and shameful it was to re-create the poppy. They also thought I was keeping the money for myself.

After 10 years of creating and selling the poppy in more than 25 stores (bakeries, florists, schools, police departments, restaurants, consignment, antique, clothing, breweries, pharmacies, music, and educational centers) I feel the poppies have been accepted and greatly appreciated. I usually get 2-3 emails after Remembrance Day from people thanking me for donating to the Legion. They often tell me about their experiences in the War and/or their personal connection to veterans or the military.

Have you set any fundraising goals, and how have you been tracking your progress?

Every year I try and beat my donation total from last year. I keep a running record of how many poppies I sell and the total donation amount.

How do you promote your poppies and spread awareness about the cause?

The poppies sell themselves. When the poppies are being worn people often ask where they got the poppy. Every other year my poppies are featured in the Tri-City News and my Instagram handle is @Crochetedpoppies.

What role do you think handmade items like your poppies play in fostering community spirit?

I think there is something special about opting to shop locally from artisans and small businesses. Selling the poppies gives me a chance to connect with small businesses that pour their hearts into what they do.

What has been the most rewarding part of this experience for you?

The most rewarding part of this experience is seeing people enjoying the poppies. One year I was volunteering as a Reserve Constable with New Westminster Police Department and I was helping with traffic control/site security.  A lady walked by and saw my crocheted poppy and said “we have the same poppy! I just love mine. I even bought them as Christmas gifts.” Over the years I have sent poppies to Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Australia. I was once crocheting on a flight one year and a few Americans waved me down and bought poppies from me.

Have you received any memorable feedback or stories from people who have bought your poppies?

My most memorable stories include American filmmaker and television director Barry Sonnenfeld buying several of my poppies. He even donated extra because he was super excited about the poppies.

I received a shout out from radio host Kid Carson on the Kid Carson Show on the radio station Z95.3.

I was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition for outstanding and long-term support to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Program and related veterans’ issues.

I became an honorary member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #133 in Port Coquitlam.

I was thanked by veterans who served in the war for my service.

How do you hope your work will impact the community and those who served?

I am hoping my work will provide financial assistance and support to Veterans, including Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, and their families who are in need.

How does crocheting poppies make you feel, both during the process and when you see them being worn? Is there a particular message or sentiment you hope people take away when they wear your poppies?

Crocheting poppies makes me feel proud. I would like this opportunity to thank all the men and women who are and have served our country. Thank you to your families for the sacrifice they make. I would like to thank first responders for their strength, courage and sacrifice.

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Her handmade, crocheted poppies will be available, while supplies last, at the Transit Police reception desk. They’re $5 each and can be attached to hats, lapels and jackets with the included safety pin. Be sure to give Alanna and her poppies a follow at @Crochetedpoppies on Instagram.