On June 10th, close to 150 participants from Vancouver companies traded in their business suits for workout wear, including official VPD gear, to participate in the Foundation’s new fundraiser: Covert OPS, Mission 01. Each team of eight competed for the bragging rights and coveted Top Squad Riot Shield.
Together, the participants helped raise over a quarter million dollars for the Peer-to-Peer Youth Mental Health program.
The day kicked off with an inspiring address from Chief Constable Adam Palmer before each team met with their VPD “Team Lead” who would spend the day with their group, cheering them on and assisting with strategy.
The challenge sites offered various trials including an Obstacle Course, Strategic Search, Dangerous Waters, Crime Scene, Critical Strike, High Priority Rescue, Stand Together, and No Man Behind.
The event not only helped raise money for an important cause, it also created a real awareness and increased respect for what VPD Officers do to keep our city safe. The participants were exposed to the challenges and dangers that our officers face every day.
Video Highlights
Photo Highlights
The Cause
The proceeds from the event will support a new VPD Peer-to-Peer Youth Mental Health Program developed in partnership with Vancouver School Board, City of Vancouver, and the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Chapter. With this new program, we are proud to build on the VPD Cadet Program and use our Cadets as mentors to provide peer-to-peer support to students in Grades 6-7 who are dealing with anxiety, mental illness, peer pressure, and other challenges our youth face during their transition from elementary to secondary schools.
Crime prevention starts with our youth. When they are taught respect, integrity, the value of education, and learning skills to help themselves succeed in the future, we all win. A main pillar of the Foundation is to support the city’s youth-at-risk. The success of the VPD Cadet program is unparalleled and we believe the new Youth Mental Health Program will further enhance the support provided to our youth.
This fundraising event is quite possibly the first of its kind in North American and is unmatched in corporate team-building.
A special shout-out to the winning team! The Armstrong Group are proud recipients of not only an authentic VPD riot shield, but they have won the opportunity to spend a day with the VPD’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) where eight lucky individuals will have the opportunity to rappel off a building in Vancouver.
The Foundation would like to thank the VPD Officers who volunteered their time to make the “mission” so successful – we could not have done this without their support and enthusiasm. Also, a thank you to our donors, volunteers, in-kind sponsors, and our major team sponsors.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Thank you to our In-Kind Sponsors
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Ballistic Arts
Cactus Club Café
Imperial
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Montecristo
Samco Printers
Savory Chef
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Star Limousine
Promosa
Wet Ape Productions
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Testimonials
“Best day of my life.”
“Most fun experience I’ve ever had.”
“I was really inspired by the hard work of the VPD.”
“You really out-did any corporate event I’ve ever been to. I can see this becoming a Vancouver favorite and soon people will be lining up to be a part of it each year!”
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.
