Another Williams Lake Tribune/Weekend Advisor hockey pool is in the books.
Recently, Community Policing’s Andy Sullivan, Caribou Ski Source for Sports representative Garret Taylor-Gerow and Tribune/Weekend Advisor office manager Lynn Bolt presented this year’s playoff pool winner, Alex Wasylenko, his first-place cheque for $500.
Community Policing, who receives what’s left from the playoff pool pot after prize money is paid out, recently sat down with the Tribune/Weekend Advisor to discuss what that money has gone towards during the past two years. Community Policing has been involved with the Tribune/Weekend Advisor hockey pool for the past eight to 10 years.
Sullivan, the chair of Community Policing, said last year the organization spent $16,000 on programs and services.
“We’re really getting to where we want to get the money into good use,” Sullivan said. “Get that money into the community.”
So far in the past two years that includes:
• funds toward Speed Watch equipment
• funds toward new uniforms for members of Citizens on Patrol
• putting funds aside to purchase a new community policing vehicle
• bright-coloured riding vests for Mounted Patrol
• travel and training for Circle of Strength (a peacemaking circle approach for specially identified spousal assault files in the community)
• violence awareness
• the Restorative Justice Program
• putting aside funds for future lighting in Boitanio Park
• equipment for the Wandering Program (can register Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers for ease of locating).
“That program [Wandering Program] is new,” Sullivan said. “You can register your family member so if that person goes missing we can have a photo in all patrol cars and most businesses instantly.”
Sullivan said without Caribou Ski Source for Sports owner Tom Wong the hockey pool would not be as big of a success as it’s been — this year with 246 playoff pool entrants.
Sullivan added Community Policing is always on the lookout for volunteers and a number of spots are available for various programs.
“If anyone is interested in joining any of the programs we can certainly help them and guide them,” he said.
To inquire about volunteer positions within Community Policing contact Sullivan at 250-303-0298 or safer communities co-ordinator Dave Dickson at 250-392-8701.