Police and Local School
Team up to Raise Money
for Cops for Cancer

Peel - Officers from the 22 Division Neighbourhood Policing Unit joined the students and staff of Centennial Senior Public School in Brampton to raise almost $5,300 for Cops for Cancer.

In October of 2007, the Peel Regional Police Service, the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board announced a new initiative called the "Feeder School Program".

This new program involves bike patrol officers spending the winter season liaising with students and staff in the senior elementary school grades. Based in part on the very successful Neighbourhood Policing Unit concept already deployed in our high schools, this program was designed to enhance community partnerships that are already in place between Peel Regional Police and the school boards.

The Feeder School Program has achieved the goal of further building connections between our youth and their local officers. Constables Wayne Parkins and Shawn Artkin approached the staff of Centennial Senior Public School with a fundraising idea in support of Cops for Cancer. Students, parents and teachers eagerly joined in the effort and organized bake sales, raffles and a school dance to help raise money. The result was an impressive turnout of support and donations for this worthwhile cause.

Inspector Cheryl Wilson of the 22 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau joined Constables Parkins and Artkin to have their heads shaved at one of the school events. After the shave, school principal Simone Gravesande stated; "It's great for the kids to see the communication between them and the police officers. It helps them learn about their responsibilities in the community".

For additional information, please contact the on-duty Media Relations Officer at 905-453-2121 Ext 4027.