Our Programs
Youth
Programs
We fund programs that keep kids engaged, active and away from high risk activities.
Mental Health
& Addictions
We support programs that improve the lives of those in crisis.
Community Outreach
& Engagement
We partner with community groups on programs that have a positive impact.
Technology
& Special Equipment
We help the VPD acquire state-of-the-art tools that save lives and prevent crime.
![Cst. John Gravengard, the @vancouverpd ‘s Musqueam Liaison Officer, is no stranger to going above & beyond to help others. He has been the recipient of a number of VPF grants for at-risk youth, most recently for basketball camps & a program to support Musqueam youth around the Pulling Together Canoe Journey.💙⠀
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Like many VPD members, John became a police officer to help people & to serve the community. He believes that people who interact with police in a less formal, fun & casual environment see the police for who they are – as people who just want to help & make a difference.⠀⠀
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Almost 10 years ago, John met a young man [we’ll call him Paul*] through one of the 🏀 clinics he was participating in. Paul had lost his father, struggled with autism, & his mother passed shortly after they met, leaving just Paul’s sister to look out for him. John took Paul under his wing & helped him to acquire life skills, & how to cope with challenging situations.⠀⠀
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John learned of an incident where another man “befriended” Paul, then robbed him of his TV, gaming console, & other personal items. John used the opportunity to teach Paul how to recognize warning signs & to better protect himself from people who would take advantage of him. Today, Paul is doing really well & volunteers at John’s basketball camps.⠀⠀
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We have seen first-hand the positive impact that John’s programs have in the community & are honoured to be able to support his work to make life better for youth & to help them establish positive relationships with police officers. We would also like to thank Thiessen Equipment for their generous donations to support the Musqueam basketball & Pulling Together programs that John leads.⠀
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*Name has been changed to protect the individual’s privacy.⠀
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Learn more about what inspires John (link in bio!)🙂 ⠀
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#aboveandbeyond #strongertogether #community](https://www.vancouverpolicefoundation.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)