The Vancouver Police Foundation is incredibly proud to have supported over 105 impactful programs this past year, investing more than $3.5 million into initiatives that make Vancouver a safer city. At the heart of each program are the dedicated VPD members who go above and beyond to identify local needs, develop creative solutions, and seek our support to bring these ideas to life—often in their own time.
In September, we had the privilege of hosting our annual Grant Celebration to honor these exceptional VPD members and their outstanding contributions. It was an opportunity to showcase the transformative programs they lead and the profound support we receive from the Vancouver community. We at the Foundation are continually inspired by the incredible work of these officers, who are committed to building a safer city for all.
The programs we fund are organized into four key pillars, addressing critical areas of need within our community. This year we granted the following with the help of our generous donors, whose unwavering contributions make all this possible:
- Youth Programs: $808,790
- Mental Health & Addictions: $22,000
- Community Outreach & Engagement: $479,307
- Technology & Special Equipment: $587,493
During the Grant Celebration, we were thrilled to present two special awards recognizing extraordinary contributions from VPD members. The first, the VPF Exemplary Service Award, was shared by Constables Jason Doucette and Jesse Schellenberg for their outstanding support of the Foundation’s storytelling and fundraising initiatives, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to collaboration.
The second, the Vancouver Police Foundation Canaccord Community Champion Award, was awarded to two groups of VPD members for their extraordinary commitment to improving community safety. Constable Dan Cameron received the award for his leadership in the homeless transportation program, which ensures that vulnerable individuals find shelter during Vancouver’s harsh winters. He also spearheaded a successful initiative to provide emergency cell phones to seniors, developing a partnership with BC Housing to meet the overwhelming demand.
The second award was shared by Sergeant Rita Raj, Detective Constable Julie Gilmore, and Constable Robert Dairon for their work in protecting seniors from financial scams. Their Scam Prevention for Seniors Seminars educate seniors and their families on how to recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes, offering valuable tools to help prevent victimization.
We were honored to have Chief Constable Adam Palmer, the VPD Executive Team, members of the VPF Board, and the Vancouver Police Board Directors, join us in celebrating these remarkable achievements. We also took the opportunity to express our deepest thanks to outgoing VPF Board Chair Christian Chia for his visionary leadership over the past two years. As David Sung steps into the role, we look forward to building on this legacy and continuing our shared mission of fostering a safer Vancouver.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors who were with us that evening, and to the thousands more who support us throughout the year. None of these programs—or the vital support provided to these exceptional officers—would be possible without you. Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference in our community.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall within three streams: community outreach and engagement (including programs for women, youth and seniors); public and personal safety; and specialized equipment and technology. You can help make Vancouver safer for all by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
