The secure coin collection boxes introduced in Cochrane during last year's Poppy Drive are starting to attract the interest of other Legion branches.

Dan Kroffat, who pushed for the introduction of the boxes after being disgusted by the number of box thefts across the nation, says not only has the local Legion branch ordered an additional 20 boxes this year, but a B.C. Legion is going to launch them.

He's travelling to Summerland, B.C. to introduce the boxes in October and will be joined by federal Central Okanagan MP Dan Albas. Kroffat says the boxes have also received the endorsement of the B.C./Yukon Command and knows 10 branches are watching to see what happens in Summerland.

"We're taking boxes to them and monitoring the results of what happens this year," says Kroffat.

What started as a grass-roots initiative is catching on and his end goal is for the boxes to be used across Canada for the benefit our veterans.

He says the success witnessed here is grabbing attention and, more importantly, getting results.

"That, to me, is a barometer in the right direction that speaks to the fact that obviously they felt the success of the boxes, more money was raised, the boxes were more secure, and it raises awareness of the needs of the veterans," says Kroffat. "This is really a four-pronged story."

The fact that the boxes fend off impulse thefts by being secured to the counter is people make larger donations, but it's also sending a message to those considering joining the armed forces that Canadians will be behind them when they retire. Right now, many find themselves in a financial plight.

"We're raising awareness of the story of veterans, several of hundreds, living on the streets of Canada and the thousands of veterans living below the poverty line. If we raise a third more across Canada, those money could be dispersed to get those people off the streets and improve the life style of the ones living below the poverty line."

Kroffat has also been promoting it as Cochrane creation and says some reporters are astonished that it's not a profit grab.

Angered by money being stolen from counters, he recruited the assistance of Alex Baum, of Cochrane Toyota and high profile Stamps star Jon Cornish to launch a successful campaign to replace the money. Hoping to raise $3,000 they actually collected $9,000. He recognized this was a band aid and instigated the creation of a more secure metal collection box with the help of EGB Manufacturing, of Cochrane.

In February, all these people were reocgnized by the Cochrane Legion certificates of appreciation.

Kroffat also salutes local MP Blake Richards for being a tremendous supporter who is pushing the cause in Ottawa.

Now he's seeking a national sponsor to help bring the boxes to Legions across Canada.

"My end goal is to see these boxes coast-to-coast across Canada, and to stand back and say, 'You know what, we made a contribution, made a difference in a positive way in other people's lives'."

"We can really do this and it will cost the government little or nothing to get involved. I'm just looking for their endorsement, for them to embrace this new initiative to help our veterans."

The annual Poppy Campaign starts in late October.