Ceramic poppy pins made by Muskoka students support local legions

For the second year, Huntsville resident Aimée Bulloch-Moore is leading a ceramic poppy pin fundraiser in support of Muskoka’s legions in Huntsville, Bracebridge, Bala, and Gravenhurst.

The pins are handmade and glazed by high school students, and fired in the kiln. Each one has its own unique beauty.

One hundred per cent of proceeds go to the legions. In 2019, 240 poppies were sold, raising $1,200. This year they hope to sell around 400 poppies to raise $2,000—$500 for each legion.

Bulloch-Moore teaches at Gravenhurst High School and hopes to involve students at both Huntsville High School and Bracebridge Muskoka Lakes Secondary School in the future.

This year’s poppies are currently in the glazing stage and if demand warrants GHS students are prepared to make more.

Last year Bulloch-Moore led pin-making sessions for students and staff but this year things look much different with COVID. Instead, she made kits, sanitized them, and left them in carts outside classrooms; students and staff followed a video tutorial she created.

While it’s usually art students who take on fundraisers like this, Bulloch-Moore has the whole student body participating in making poppies.

“It’s all hands on deck. Students that have never even done art before are even making them. It’s important for me to model fundraising and service to the community for my students and my children,” she said.

Above: Students Veronica Jones (left) and Maya Simonovich paint ceramic poppies with glaze (Aimée Bulloch-Moore)

She says that Coldwell Banker has been a huge support and staff members have put in orders for almost 200 poppies.

“Even if school wasn’t happening I was still willing to reach out to the community and organize this fundraiser because it’s very important to me,” she said. “I feel like this cause is something everyone can connect to because so many of us have family and friends who are veterans. Through this initiative I have heard so many amazing stories of people’s grandparents, parents, and other family members who were fallen soldiers.”

The poppies will be $5 each. To order poppy pins, contact Aimée Bulloch-Moore at [email protected].

Keep your eyes peeled for a similar fundraiser during the coming holidays. Bulloch-Moore plans to make handmade glazed ceramic ornaments with her students in order to support families through the Salvation Army.

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