Planet Fitness reverses ban on poppy box after Legion backlash

A protest in Fort Erie was narrowly avoided when a poppy donation box briefly removed from Planet Fitness on Garrison Road was returned Tuesday after local veterans voiced outrage.

The reversal came after Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 members condemned the gym’s decision to withdraw from supporting the poppy campaign, returning the donation box after initially accepting it, with some calling the move disrespectful to veterans ahead of Remembrance Day.

Branch president Murray Morlog told Fort Erie Radio he contacted Planet Fitness senior area manager Tom Hill on Tuesday morning, who oversees the Fort Erie and Welland locations, in hopes of rectifying the situation.

“He apologized profusely and invited us to bring the poppy box back,” said Morlog.

According to Morlog, Hill’s decision on Monday to reject the poppy box stemmed from not understanding the campaign’s significance in Canada, but once informed, he agreed to allow the box to be displayed.

“He didn’t know the significance–he’s an American. They don’t have the poppy in the States. He just thought it was solicitation, and that’s against their policy,” he said. “It was an uninformed decision.”

Fort Erie Radio reached out to Hill for comment, who declined, citing corporate policy. But according to Morlog, Hill will also allow the Planet Fitness in Welland to display a poppy box provided by Welland’s Legion Branch 4.

The Legion continues to face challenges collecting donations this year due to the Canada Post strike and corporate chains declining to display boxes. Morlog hopes the brief dispute serves as a reminder of the poppy’s meaning and the importance of local support for veterans.

“It’s a reminder of the sacrifices veterans have made for us and why we have freedom in Canada. Wearing the poppy is significant, and the boxes give people a way to make a donation to help those who are still surviving,” he said.

Before Hill’s apology was made, frustration inside the branch was building fast. According to Legion member Alec Philps, some veterans discussed organizing a protest outside Planet Fitness and even involving local cadets to bring attention to the incident.

“This is emotional for veterans and people were very upset. One of our members even said he was ready to punch someone out. That’s how angry he was,” said Philps.

Morlog said he “had to call off the dogs” after members rallied strongly to draw attention to the issue, though he made clear he never encouraged the effort himself.

Philps was relieved the box was returned but believes the incident shows how much work remains to ensure people understand the poppy’s meaning and the sacrifices it represents.

“I just wish it hadn’t happened,” he said.

Branch 71 hopes residents will continue to donate at local poppy boxes or visit the Legion branch on Garrison Road to contribute directly.

Other community partners, including 27 Bridgeburg businesses, will observe a town-wide moment of silence on November 11 to honour Canada’s veterans.

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