BC Federation of Police

BC FEDERATION OF POLICE

YOUTH INITIATIVE FUND

Over the past couple of years British Columbia’s Police Unions/Associations have enjoyed dispersing monies to youth initiatives within their communities. Thanks to fundraising by the BC Federation of Police Officers every local receives a yearly amount that they are free to do whatever they want with, as long as it has a youth component to it.

In addition to the monies passed out to the locals the BC Federation of Police Officers also donates to many provincial charities throughout the year. Many telethons, charity drives and hospitals have benefited from these funds.

Recently the executive board of the BC Federation of Police discussed the idea of selecting a particular youth initiative and making it their “flagship” charity. The board wanted to pick a particular initiative that could develop into a partnership with youth benefiting.

The Salvation Army is a name known throughout the world for its ability to help those in need. Christmas kettles and Red Shield Appeals immediately bring to mind The Salvation Army and the work they do with those less fortunate. Unknown to most people however, is the work The Salvation Army does with kids and in particular those kids who are at risk.

Nestled in the trees, within a short walk of the Langdale Ferry terminal on the Sunshine Coast is Camp Sunrise. The camp was established in 1925 when Captain Fraser Morrison and Colonel Arch Layman set out to find some property to start a Youth camp. They borrowed a boat from the YMCA and rowed up and down the shore near Gibsons until they locate the present day site of Camp Sunrise. A “work bee” was organized with people donating supplies and carpentry talents and the first building was constructed.

The camp has come a long way from the tents used in the first years. Cabins have replaced the tents and dining is provided by a modern day kitchen. Campers are able to enjoy a game of soccer on the grassy field and then cool off in the pool. During the summer months Camp Sunrise is home to a number of week long camps. Close to 750 kids will go through the camp in the span of two months. Many of these kids are from situations that are tragic and disturbing and this week spent at Camp Sunrise is an opportunity for them to be kids in a safe environment. In addition to these camps, Camp Sunrise also runs leadership training for 14-16 yr olds. These youth will be taught communication, dealing with conflict, outdoor education, group activities and basic counseling skills. It is thought that in teaching these skills these youth will become the leaders in the future.

The executive of the BC Federation of Police approached Captain Keith Pike, who is the Youth Leader for BC to see what kind of partnership could be developed with Camp Sunrise. A financial partnership was the most obvious fit however Captain Pike wanted the BC Federation of Police to be involved in picking a specific place for the financing to go. His vision was that our board would be able to come to Camp Sunrise and see the kids doing something with our financial donation. After some discussion it was decided that our donation would be matched and that a High Angle Ropes Obstacle Course would be built. This course will not only teach the kids to overcome their fears but many of the components teach teamwork. These components cannot be accomplished by an individual performance they must work as a team to successfully complete them.

Over the next few years we look forward to helping Camp Sunrise with its yearly wish list. It takes community involvement to invest in our youth. For police officers this investment can also mean a relationship is built with kids who may have not had positive interactions with the police. In addition to the financial partnership it is hoped that we as police officers could become involved in some of the camp’s programming. Something as simple as a Police Team to play soccer or taking kids canoeing can go a long way to changing the views of a young person.

Next time you find yourself on the Sunshine Coast take a drive by Camp Sunrise. If its summer you are sure to hear the squeals of laughter and see the smiles of happiness. Likely they will be coming from a child who 51 weeks of the year doesn’t have much to laugh or smile about. The BC Federation of Police hopes to be a part of this camp for some time to come.

Peace officers hand Gateway big cheque

The Delta Optimist

Published: Saturday, December 15, 2007

Ladner's Gateway Autism Foundation was the recipient of a $10,000 cheque from the B.C. Federation of Peace Officers, which disperses funding through its charitable wing to assist youth programs and charities throughout the province.

Doug Sales, a former Delta police detective and current officer with the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police, applied for the money.

The Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police union, COPE Local 378, sponsored the successful application.

COPE Local 378 president Ian Whittington (second from right) and Doug Sales presented a $10,000 cheque to Sonia Osborne, executive director of the Gateway Society, and Steve Lane, president of the Gateway Foundation.

The Gateway Society for Persons with Autism, in operation for 29 years, has garnered an international reputation for its work with autistic children and adults.

The only centre in the province that offers specialized treatment for children unable to live at home, it currently provides four staffed residential group homes for adults, nine family care homes, full-time day programs at Crossroads, non-violent crisis intervention and certification, monthly workshops for care providers, behavioural support services and respite services for families.

To cap the hefty donation, a fundraiser was held at Wellbrook Winery where staff volunteered their time and edible donations were made by Thrifty Foods and Save-On-Foods.

"Police Kick In To Help Abused Kids” -Victoria Times Colonist May 24, 2007

A Victoria agency battling the provincial government for more money to help sexually abused children got a welcome boos from police yesterday.

The B.C. Federation of Police Officers donated $25,000 to the Mary Maning Centre, which recently issued lay off notices to three part time therapists after the government rejected a request for more money. The centre fears lay offs will result in traumatized children having to wait six to nine months before receiving treatment. Members of the Federation feel this is unacceptable and realize that the donation is only a short term fix, therefore call on the Government to continue funding the center.

Kids get a chance to Fish and learn about conservation

On July 12, August 6 and 24, 2007 Members of the Saanich Police Association and the B.C. Federation of Police Officers teamed with Members of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to assist over 75 low income families with the chance to experience fresh water fishing at Elk Lake .The kids came with parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. All of the people had a great time watching their kids try fishing for the first time. Topics covered included fish biology, habitat, species identification, basic rules and regulations, types of gear, and safety considerations. Participants and their families learned how to tie knots, how to cast, how to bait a hook, and how to safely release fish unharmed. Yes, fish were caught, although the otters had better luck than we did!

As a result of the fund raising that the BC Federation of Police Officers conducts, we are able to sponsor various initiatives in our communities.

$1500 each to John Robson Elementary, Lord kelvin Elementary for their breakfast program.
$1500 Rock Solid anti bullying project - New Westminster Secondary
$500 NW minor Lacrosse
$1000 Royal City Regiment (cadets)
$1000 NWPD Soccer School
$1000 Christmas Gifts to Royal Columbian Hospital Pediatrics - Kids in over Christmas
NWSS Dry Grad Committee - $1000
New Westminster Air Cadets - $1000
New Westminster Army Cadets - $1000
New Westminster Sea Cadets - $1000
New Westminster Navy League - $1000
Copy Drumming With Kids - $1000
Port Moody Police Department has made donations to the Rotary Club, 2010 Legacy Camps and Minor Softball
Donations to the BC Mounted Police Association, including the following:
- $1000 to CoPS for Cancer, Coquitlam Detachment
- $1000 to CoPS for Cancer, Surrey Detachment
- $1000 to "E Division" Member's Memorial
- $500 to Habitat for Humanity
- $500 to Kamloops Crimestoppers
The BC Federation of Police Officers announces some major dontations to worthy charities, made possible by the generosity of the British Columbians who have supported the fundraising drive. $20,000.00 cheque to the Vancouver Children's Hospital. $2,500.00 cheque to the Union Gospel Mission.
The West Vancouver Police Association is financially assisting youth programs in West Vancouver this year with funding from the B.C. Federation of Police Officers fundraising.
In conjunction with the New Westminster Police Association, the BC Federation of Police officers sponsored 10 youth from disadvantaged families to attend the 24th Annual New Westminster Police Soccer School.Over 300 youth, aged five to 13 attended this Summer Soccer School at Mercer Stadium.
The Bell Walk for Kids
Victims Resource Centre
Nelson City Kids at risk, Youth Hampers, Gymnastics Club ,Youth Soccer, Youth Hockey, Air Cadets, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts
Various Schools throught the Province for playground equipment and other needed items

British Columbia Federation of Police and the Saanich and Oak Bay Police Associations teamed up to Sponsor youth project TCO2-"Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Others--March 9, 2008

From November 26-30 and December 10-14, 2007, presenters from the Children of the Street Society travelled to Victoria to deliver presentations to middle and high school students in Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, West Shore, Sidney/North Saanich, Central Saanich and Sooke. The presentations addressed the sexual exploitation of youth and provided students with education and prevention strategies to avoid being targeted. The presentations were arranged and facilitated by Constable Laura Vye, Mobile Youth Services. School Liaison and Community Liaison officers from all jurisdictions assisted with the schedule of presentations in their schools.

During the two week time period, 6298 students and 216 teachers/counsellors viewed the presentations. Response from the community was extremely positive. Following the presentations students, teachers and counselling staff approached the presenters and police in appreciation for the project. Many had stories to share that involved the exploitation of youth in their communities and were thankful for the prevention based discussion.