Police sunglasses campaign raises funds for community outreach programs
Starting June 16th, the Vancouver Police Foundation will be bringing back its KOPS’ Shades for Kids Campaign. Back by popular demand, the campaign connects the public to the police via iconic, mirrored aviator sunglasses – a signature look inherently tied to police.
Introduced last summer, the campaign raises funds for Vancouver Police crime prevention projects and early intervention community outreach programs. It also seeks to strengthen the link between the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and the community it serves.
“We have been reminded in recent weeks of the vital role that police officers play in our communities – here in Vancouver and across the country,” says Peter Brown, Vancouver Police Foundation Chairman. “The sunglasses serve as a visual sentiment that all citizens can wear to show their support for, and pride in, Vancouver’s police officers.”
“It is through the Foundation that the citizens of Vancouver can support essential policing programs that may be beyond the immediate city budget capability and become partners in policing so together we can build stronger communities and make Vancouver the safest major city in Canada,” says VPD Chief Constable Jim Chu.
The sunglasses cost $20 each and are available at all London Drugs Vancouver locations, Community Policing Centres, and on the Vancouver Police Foundation website. To date, the campaign has generated over $155,000 for the Vancouver Police Foundation’s community outreach programs.
A social media contest using the hashtag #VPDPARTNERS invites citizens to submit photos of themselves wearing the VPD sunglasses for a chance to win a unique Ride-Along police experience and other prizes. The contest closes on August 30th.
“London Drugs is proud to support the Vancouver Police Foundation as a retail partner of the VPD Aviator Sunglasses, “ says Clint Mahlman, London Drugs Executive Vice-President and COO. “We know the citizens of Vancouver feel the need to express pride in the city and there is no better cause to ensure Vancouver stays safe, than to support the Vancouver Police Foundation.”
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For more information or interviews, please contact:
Martina Meckova
VPF Executive Director
M: 604 836 5344
D: 604 717 3715
mmeckova@vancouverpolicefoundation.org
Randy Fincham
Media Relations Officer
Vancouver Police Department
T 604 717 3679
E randy.fincham@vpd.ca
Cynnamon Schreinert
London Drugs
cynnamon@hartleypr.com
604 802 2733 | @CynnamonS
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall under one of four pillars: Youth Programs, Mental Health & Addictions, Community Outreach & Engagement, and Technology & Special Equipment. You can help build a safer Vancouver by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
