The Calgary Police Service (CPS) canine and traffic safety units will help citizens count the days of 2024, with their new calendars now available.
The calendar launch, done in conjunction with the Calgary Police Youth Foundation (CPYF), also included a special edition Mounted Unit calendar with art from local artist Paul Van Ginkel.
“Our members in canine, mounted, and traffic have a huge passion for the work they do,” said Acting Chief Constable Chad Tawfik, during the launch event Wednesday.
“They love sharing it with the community and if they can do something to support youth in doing that, that’s a win-win for everybody. They just love it.”
The different units were on hand Wednesday to show off some of the skills they use in doing the work each day with the Calgary Police Service.
The annual fundraiser provides support for the Calgary Police Youth Foundation. They develop and implement community-based programs aimed at crime prevention, early intervention, and education programming.
Susan Cron, executive director of the CPYF said they provide programming for youth from five to 18 to show them how to stay safe from crime and victimization.
“We have programs for older children and some programs are particularly designed for children who are more at risk of crime; perhaps children within the marginalized communities and maybe children who are experiencing living in an unsafe home or have older siblings that are involved in crime,” she said.
Money raised through the annual calendar program helps put together a customized plan for each child entering one of the programs, Cron said.
This campaign hopes to raise more than $150,000 to help support the programs. Total revenue for the CPYF is roughly $2.4 million for CPYF.
Program impact on policing
The Calgary police have long been pioneers in early intervention with Calgary youth populations. Former police Chief Rick Hanson was a big believer in youth programming to head off criminal activity and youth involvement in gangs.
A/Chief Tawfik said these programs are extremely important to keep a lid on crime in Calgary.
“It actually covers two aspects – one is to keep them on the right track and into positive aspects of their lives,” he said.
“But also to build relationships with police so that we have a relationship as they grow and we can help mentor and coach them.”
All calendars and other merchandise for the CPYF can be purchased online at their store.
The Canine Unit calendars are also available at Safeway and Sobey’s stores in the Calgary area. The Motorcycle unit calendars are at select Calgary Canadian Tire stores.
In 2022, the CPYF programs support more than 23,000 Calgary youth.
- with files from Aryn Toombs
