On Feb. 28, Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers, which has recently expanded their boundaries to include RCMP detachments from Tofino to Mill Bay, stopped by the Shawnigan Lake and Lake Cowichan detachments — two of the newest units in their catchment area.
The visits were partially to meet each detachment's members and staff to let them know more about Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers, but also to give each unit 25 Trauma Bears. The bears were part of more 700 paid for from donations to Crime Stoppers. While the majority stayed in the Nanaimo detachment, members have been dropping off bears at the remaining smaller detachments.
“Stuffed animals can provide a sense of comfort for children experiencing difficult times," said Lake Cowichan detachment commander Sgt. Lita Watson. "Having these bears readily available in the police cars is an important tool in engaging with children during traumatic events.”
Sgt. Colin Cook, the detachment commander in Shawnigan Lake, agreed.
“These bears are essential for our front-line members when they are dealing with children who have been exposed to traumatic incidents. Whether at a critical incident or following up on a difficult matter, gifting these bears to children provides a much needed level of comfort to them," Cook said. "The bears also work to our benefit by humanizing our officers in situations where we could otherwise be seen only as 'officious'. The bears can help us bridge communication gaps with children in all manner of difficult situations.”
Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers is an association encompassing a population of approximately 300,000 people which includes 11 municipalities and large rural areas. Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers supports initiatives which, over time, help to reduce crime in communities. By educating youth at a time when they are vulnerable, this program will help them achieve that goal. From money raised and donations, Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers is able to fund a variety of grant applications from Tofino to Lake Cowichan.
Those who witness a criminal activity in progress are encouraged to call police at 911 or, if they'd like to report such activity anonymously, to call 1-800-222-8477 or visit www.cvicrimestoppers.com.
