To all of our valued supporters, we hope you are continuing to stay safe and healthy during the ongoing global health emergency. Like everyone else, we are managing new challenges every day while striving to discover new and innovative ways to keep Calgary children and youth safe from crime and victimisation.
Across the world, 73% of charities are experiencing a decline in contributions and that is why we must work harder than ever before to build strong communities and ask Calgarians to help.
Our greatest wish is that you remain safe, happy, and healthy and that together we can forge a promising future where children and youth can thrive and live a life free of crime.
May’s Monthly Poll:
COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the charitable sector and will continue to have a lasting effect on the way we communicate, fundraise, and support the children and youth in Calgary Police Foundation funded programs.
For many of us, we have had to embrace virtual alternatives and we would love to hear from YOU! Tell us about your experience with the new virtual reality and help us learn about what has worked for you and what you would like to see more of in the future!
So tell us, which virtual alternatives do you prefer, or would like to see more of in the future?
- Virtual Events
- Virtual Fundraising (ie. Silent and Live Auctions hosted online)
- Increased Communication through Email
- Increased Communication through Social Media
- Other?
Email us with your suggestions at CPF@CalgaryPolice.ca!
Chief Youth Courage Awards – Virtual Day of Celebration Recap
On Wednesday, April 29th we hosted a Virtual Day of Celebration across all of our social media channels to recognise the Chief Youth Courage Award recipients, Philanthropic Leader, Dick Haskayne, and all of the incredible people working behind the scenes to make the 2020 Chief Youth Courage Awards Gala the premier fundraising event in 2020.
Although the Gala had to be postponed due to the ongoing global health emergency, that didn’t stop us from having fun on April 29th. We had many special guests to help us celebrate throughout the day including Chief Constable Neufeld, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, George Canyon, Belle Cabin, and Danny Hooper! Throughout the Virtual Day of Celebration, we also introduced our six Chief Youth Courage Award Recipients, one from each of the CPF funded programs. It was a day of smiles across Calgary. If you missed out on any of the action, the posts are still available on our social media channels, or you can check out April’s Special Chief Youth Courage Awards Edition of E-News here: https://cpfblog.home.blog/2020/04/27/special-cyca-e-news-april-2020/
The biggest smile of the day was from Vesko, the youngest Chief Youth Courage Award recipient. Vesko was six years old when he signed up for Power Play and was facing some personal struggles. He was lonely and wanted friendship and connection. He was feeling sad and depressed about his mother’s medical condition. Since joining Power Play, our program leaders have seen such incredible growth in him personally and with his skating ability. Through strength and perseverance, Vesko is now a great skater and has really come out of his shell. Power Play also allowed Vesko to meet and interact with members of the Calgary Police Service. They have helped ease the burdens on his young shoulders and Vesko now considers them his very close friends. Vesko has found happiness and has thrived at Power Play.
During this time when we can not be together and livelihoods have been impacted, we want to give our supporters a way to let the vulnerable children and youth we serve know that they are not alone. That is why one of the best ways to donate right now is through a small monthly donation. The Calgary Police Foundation’s Monthly Giving Program “Promising Futures” is a great way for you to provide a regular donation and is very easy to join.
Your monthly contribution provides funding to help vulnerable and at-risk children and youth, while also providing the flexibility to meet all of their unique needs. By meeting these needs, we can work to prevent at-risk children and youth from becoming criminals, or from becoming innocent victims of crime.
Through the Programs funded by the Calgary Police Foundation, we address a wide variety of needs within the community. In addition to education and intervention resources, we also assist with urgent and basic needs for those living in poverty, provide mental health support and mentorship, encourage physical activity and sportsmanship, help children escape from gangs or gang related activities, educate children and parents about the risks associated with online activity, drugs, and so much more.
As a Promising Futures monthly donor, you are changing lives.
Learn more and become a donor today at: https://cpf.cpsevents.ca/promising-futures/
Many of the children and youth that are supported by CPF funded Programs are challenged by the lack of structure and support during the summer months. With schools closed for the summer, the aid they have come to rely on, such as school psychologists, meal programs, and the companionship of their friend groups, are not available. That is why we have launched the Calgary Cares Box Campaign. These care boxes contain items for the whole family including basic food items and hygiene items, along with activities to keep children and youth safe at home.
To assist with the production and distribution of the Calgary Cares Boxes, we are asking Calgarians to donate cash and/or bulk items for inclusion in the boxes. It is also our goal to shop local for items to be included as a way to support the local economy and community.
Based on the needs identified by the children, Calgary Cares Boxes may include items such as:
Technology – including USB sticks, laptops, phone cards, chrome books
Activity Kits – including games, sporting equipment, puzzles, books
Wellness Packages – including toothpaste, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, hygiene products, multivitamins, blankets, flashlights, cleaning products
Food Packages – including canned goods, pasta, soups, peanut butter, and grocery/department gift cards
As well as practical help through the Calgary Care Box, we want to let children know that while we still must remain physically distant, they have friends in the community who are supportive. One of the endearing ways to do that is through a Pocket Hug (see above). For a $20 donation, we will include this special token in one of our Calgary Cares Boxes for children to keep with them and know that we will continue to be there for them throughout these difficult times. To donate a Pocket Hug for inclusion in the Calgary Cares Box, visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/calgary-police-foundation/campaign/covid-19-help/
Your support will make a difference. Take a moment to listen below and hear from the administrators from Patrick Airlie Elementary and Holy Trinity Elementary, two schools supported by the Integrated School Support Program, to learn about the challenges their students are facing due to COVID-19, and the impact Calgary Cares Boxes will have on them and their families.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07jEWsuXXRM.
For this month’s bouquets, we wanted to highlight all of the visionary organisations that have already committed to supporting Calgary Cares Boxes.
Birchcliff Energy has taken the Calgary Care Boxes campaign and has created their own Birchcliff Cares campaign, where funds donated by staff to the initiative will be matched directly by the organisation, doubling their impact! How incredible is that!
Thanks to Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink, your donation to the Calgary Cares Boxes is helping to make an even greater impact on the lives of vulnerable children and youth.
Until August 30, 2020, Birdies for Kids will be matching donations by up to 50% with 100% of proceeds going to the Calgary Police Foundation.
Many local companies have also stepped up to donate items or offer a discounted rate to help fill the boxes with valuable goods. Thank you to the following organisations who have supported the Calgary Cares Boxes thus far:
Sport Chek Activity Bags
At the beginning of May, our friends at the Sport Chek East Hills location provided 275 students in the Integrated School Support Program with activity bags to keep healthy and active during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The kids were so excited to receive their activity bags and we wanted to share a few of their thank you notes!
Way to go Sport Chek East Hills Location – THANK YOU!
Plan for Your Future with the Canadian Free Wills Network
Since the beginning of the year, the Calgary Police Foundation has been partnering with the Canadian Free Wills Network to offer our dedicated supporters a Will writing service completely free of charge. Thus far, we have had over 20 interested applicants who are considering writing their will and making sure their wishes are documented.
Through the Canadian Free Wills Network, we connect participants with lawyers throughout the province who will work with you to ensure all of your final wishes are carried out as intended. Throughout this process, we also hope that you will consider leaving a legacy gift to the Calgary Police Foundation. Although you are under absolutely no obligation to do so, by incorporating a legacy gift into your future planning you are ensuring that our most vulnerable children and youth will continue to be supported by these essential programs for many years to come.
If you are interested in receiving a free Will, or would like more information about the program, please email us at CPF@CalgaryPolice.ca.
Calgary Police Foundation Naming Contest Update
A few months ago, we asked our dedicated supporters to submit ideas for the Calgary Police Foundation’s new name and we are excited to share that we will be taking a first step towards our new identity. Watch out in the June edition of E-News for more information.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their suggestions and know that we appreciate your thoughtful and innovative ideas. We will be in touch soon!
Join us for a Virtual Run with the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon
The Calgary Police Foundation is excited to be a charity of choice for the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in 2020. This year, Scotiabank is hosting a Virtual Run from May 31 – September 27, 2020!
This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, stay committed to your fitness goals, and connect digitally during these uncertain times. So, join our team – KMs for Kids – and collect pledges on behalf of the Calgary Police Foundation to help keep kids safe from victimisation and crime!
For more information and to join our team, visit: https://raceroster.com/events/2020/23445/scotiabank-calgary-marathon-2020/fundraising-organization/20259
Thank You to Our Supporters
Finally, we wanted to take a moment to thank all of our supporters that have stuck with us during these difficult times. We recognise that the current economic climate is challenging and that many of you are struggling as well.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who continues to support the Calgary Police Foundation – whether it is financially through a one-time donation, by becoming a monthly donor, by spreading the word on social media or by sharing our newsletters. No matter how you choose to support the Calgary Police Foundation, we are grateful for you!
The Calgary Police Youth Foundation Blog 