Earlier this week the VPD K9 Unit and Vancouver Police Foundation were very excited to visit our friends at the BC Cancer Foundation and BC Children’s Hospital Foundation to deliver a significant gift: a cheque for $21,193 for EACH charity from the sales of the 2023 VPD Canine Calendar.
Featuring incredible photos of the current working VPD canines, the K9 Unit has produced this calendar every year for the last 13 years. The goal has always been to raise money for these important local charities while also showcasing the VPD’s canine heroes. The calendar was created in 2010 to honour the late VPD Constable Candy Anfield who passed away from cancer. Since then, the calendar has raised over $510,000 dollars for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the BC Cancer Foundation.
A key part of the calendar every year is to share a story of a child whose life has been touched by one of our beneficiaries. The 2023 calendar featured the story of 10-year-old Evelyn from BC Children’s Hospital who was battling childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After a difficult time undergoing treatment at BC Children’s Hospital, we are thrilled that Evelyn received extraordinary care through her treatment process and she is now cancer free!
VPD Constable Dennis Jesus has volunteered to lead the calendar project for the last four years. He has been with the VPD for 18 years and in the Canine Unit with his partner Police Service Dog (PSD) Gibbs for five years.
“I’m so fortunate to have a job that I can leverage to make a real difference not only in Vancouver, but across the province. Being part of this charitable project is important to me, not only as a Canine Officer, but also as a dad to two young kids. Knowing that we are making a difference for children and families around BC is very rewarding. We are also proud to showcase each of the dogs on the canine team who all perform tirelessly to protect the community, apprehend suspects, and save lives.”
Big thanks to our talented photographer, Devin Manky, and to our incredible graphic designer, Yumi Simonson. The K9 Unit would also like to thank the staff at the Vancouver Aquarium, Rogers Arena and Vancouver Canucks, Grouse Mountain, the London Pub for hosting some of the 2023 calendar photoshoots.
Production for the 2024 Canine Calendar is already underway! Don’t miss your chance bring one home. Sign-up for Pre-Sale and Special Updates!
More About The Beneficiaries:
The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds for BC Cancer to support world-leading scientists and clinicians across the province — as they advance global innovation and accelerate access for all British Columbians to cutting edge cancer care, close to home. As the largest philanthropic funder of cancer research and care in the province, our donors fuel hope for the 80,000 patients per year who depend on BC Cancer. Every dollar stays in B.C., advancing breakthroughs and innovation across BC Cancer’s research programs and six world-class centers.
As the province’s only hospital dedicated to children and youth, BC Children’s Hospital provides a level of specialized care for children that can’t be found anywhere else in BC. Last year more than 99,000 children visited BC Children Hospital for specialized care at the newly integrated campus—an acute care centre, research institute, mental health facility, and rehabilitation and developmental assessment centre all in one place to serve children in need.
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.
