In 2022, Ontario Provincial Police Northwest Region and United Way have made substantial efforts in raising community awareness of poverty in many communities in the northwest region through the campaign theme.
Staying true to the theme, the OPP has raised over $8,000 in cash donations which were contributed through a variety of local initiatives such as barbecues, raffles, denim days, and holiday season fundraising. The cash donations were given to the United Way in Thunder Bay.
Jodi Wilson, the United Way's director of philanthropy and community engagement, said the United Way is grateful for the partnership with the OPP.
“We are very appreciative of the partnership that we have with the OPP NWR. They have really worked hard for the United Way for the people of our communities in northwestern Ontario by putting together several efforts in each community where they have an OPP detachment,” Wilson said.
Wilson said the OPP’s “Building Strong Communities Together” campaign stretched from the Manitoba border to White River.
“It really is wonderful the engagement that they have. It’s a United Way initiative, but what they are doing is giving back to their local communities,” she said.
Throughout the year, the OPP, in support of International Women's Day, held various Tampon Tuesday events where they gathered over 9,000 feminine hygiene products. Tampon Tuesday is an event that is meant to educate the public on the lack of access to feminine hygiene products in poverty-stricken areas. The products have been delivered to charities throughout Northwestern Ontario.
“It’s a real thing, and people aren’t aware of the reality of something like that. But, when we asked if they wanted to come and support this last March, with open arms they welcomed the opportunity. To be able to support the people of the community in our catchment areas, what a beautiful way to have this partnership with us to help those people in those communities,” Wilson said.
OPP’s Stuff-a-Cruiser event helped rise awareness of food insecurity in the communities. Officers in their communities had the event during the United Way Local Love week in September, which brought in approximately 9,300 pounds of food and $2,700 in cash donations. These products were donated to local food banks.
She said with the United Way only having one office in Thunder Bay, forging these partnerships with an organization like the OPP is essential to reach those in need across northwestern Ontario.
“They are an integral part of helping us help other communities’ members across the region,” Wilson said.
OPP North West Region said in a news release that they “would like to thank the community members for their support and generosity over the year, as well as the businesses across the region for allowing us to collect donations at your locations. Without your support, the events could not have taken place.”
Looking forward, Wilson is excited to start this year’s campaign. Much of the fundraising is going to be the same format, but with all of the from the communities across the region and the partnership with the OPP, she says “it about what we can do together.”
