Category Archives: News & Stories

Last week, we were grateful to share stories about the amazing generosity of our community and this week is no different! In addition to donations of PPE for front line officers, a number of companies have stepped up to donate food and other comfort items to VPD members working hard to keep our neighbourhoods safe. […]...

VPD officers Michael Kajander and Stuart Hurst have channelled their passion for rugby into a program for underprivileged youth. Justice Rugby combines learning how to play rugby (a modified version with no tackling), with building teamwork skills, resiliency (learning how to accept losses), encouraging others and simply having fun. Despite being a global, inclusive sport, […]...

Like many of you, VPD families have spouses working from home while trying to juggle child-care and home schooling. Where their experience often differs though, is that VPD officers have to deal with (in the moment and in the aftermath) situations most of us can’t even imagine. And then they bring that home. It’s a […]...

PPE (personal protective equipment) has never been in greater demand. For those of us frustrated that we can’t get liquid soap or hand sanitizer for ourselves and our families, imagine the concern of those looking out for our first responders. While the VPD has enacted pandemic protocols to keep its officers safe, there are times […]...

VPD member Tim Houchen sees people on their worst days. And he sees them on their worst day, every day. Sergeant Houchen works at the VPD Jail, which is the busiest jail in British Columbia – 16,000 individuals per year pass through its doors. Like many of us, as children they started off with hopes […]...

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in the past few weeks (besides the value of toilet paper!) it’s that adaptability and innovation are two aspects at the core of resiliency. Constable Mariya Zhalovaga, School Liaison Officer at Windermere High School is a prime example of this. A few years ago, she started a running club […]...

Many of you will be into the fourth week of your new year’s resolution(s). If you need any motivation to start a new health kick, or to keep up your great work, check out the Windermere Running Club for inspiration!  The Windermere Running Club provides a supportive and welcoming running environment for kids attending Windermere Secondary, regardless of individual ability or athleticism. The runners are in grades […]...

January 29th is Bell Let’s Talk Day which is an opportunity to join a national conversation about mental health challenges and help reduce the stigma around mental illness.  This month, we are showcasing the Here4Peers program, a Vancouver Police Foundation funded program that is run through the VPD and other community partners such as the Vancouver School Board, Canadian Mental Health Association – Vancouver-Fraser […]...

Kops for Kids is a program that started over 35 years ago by members of the VPD Motorcycle Drill Team and raises funds to purchase Christmas gifts for many underprivileged children in the city. Throughout various fundraising initiatives, the Drill Team raised over $21,000 which was almost exclusively from VPD officers’ contributions!  Last month, The VPD Motorcycle Drill Team was able to purchase 500 presents and spread some holiday cheer throughout the city. They distributed […]...

Each year, the VPF provides nearly $1 million in funding to Vancouver Police Department initiatives that fall outside the regular operating budget. We are only able to do this with the generous support of the community, including a special group of Chief’s Circle donors. Shannon and Nairne Gray are two such special people. They joined […]...