Since 1994, the RCMP Foundation has raised more than $10 million in support of community programs and activities across Canada. Our contributions make neighbourhoods stronger, more resilient and better able to serve the needs of everyone in the community.
We are proud to share just a few of our success stories.
Support for Indigenous Comedy Night at RCMP NHQ
Stand-up comic Janelle Niles wanted everyone to know that Indigenous comedy is here to stay. Niles, a Black, Mi’kmaw, two-spirited comedian and founder of Got Land Comedy, headlined the first-ever Indigenous Comedy Night Fundraiser at the RCMP NHQ Mess in Ottawa on November 1. Yes, she had some things to say to the crowd of around 120 mostly RCMP members with friends and family—but it was all done with an overwhelming spirit of friendliness that included a huge dose of humour.
[PHOTO: (l to r) Jennifer Hayward, Comedian; Patricia McDonald, RCMP Central Region, Janelle Niles, Comedian; Patrick Cheechoo, Comedian; Greg Sullivan, PSE at RCMP NHQ; C/Supt Jamie Zettler, RCMP Central Region]
And the crowd got it. It was an evening full of great food, some amazing raffle prizes and, of course, laughter. The three-comedian line-up from Got Land Comedy not only had the crowd in stitches, they also helped organizers raise almost $1,500 for Indspire, a national Indigenous registered charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
The event was organized by the Central Region Indigenous Liaison Unit in collaboration with the Indigenous Policing Services National – Outreach & Engagement, and the RCMP Foundation. “The program and comedians took the opportunity to not just entertain, but also to educate and strengthen ties between our organization and the Indigenous community,” said lead organizer Patricia McDonald, the Indigenous Liaison Diversity Coordinator in the RCMP Central Region. “A lot of people came together to make it a memorable night,” said co-organizer, Greg Sullivan.
Celebrating 50 years of Women in Policing in the RCMP
[PHOTO: A proud moment as Challenge Coin designer and RCMP member, Kristan Falardeau (r), watches former RCMP Commissioner, Beverley Busson, who is also Falardeau’s godmother, address the RCMP Legacy Regimental Ball.]
To commemorate this historic milestone, the RCMP Officers’ Mess organized the RCMP Legacy Regimental Ball: Celebrating 50 years of Women Police Officers in the RCMP.
The RCMP Foundation was pleased to support this event with a Champion Fund grant and through the sale of the Limited Edition 50th Anniversary of Woman Police Officers in the RCMP Challenge Coin. A total of $12,500 was provided for the event.
The design of the commemorative coin features artwork inspired by a painting from Kristan Falardeau, an artist and dedicated member of the RCMP.
Her motivation was to honour the strong and brave women who paved the way for others who serve today. One member of the original Troop 17 continues to be particularly inspirational to the artist. Beverley Busson is not only the former RCMP commissioner, but is also Kristan’s godmother.
RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme emphasized the significance of this anniversary in a letter recently posted on the RCMP website:
“Troop 17 was a significant milestone, involving a group of women who, despite encountering challenges and systemic barriers, made a difference in their communities and their country. Their resilience and perseverance have helped the RCMP work to correct inappropriate behaviours. Meaningfully addressing known challenges is critical to successfully improving our culture to create a healthy, inclusive and trusted workplace for all our employees, and ultimately enabling us to achieve operational excellence.”
Foundation supports ‘The General’ boosting members’ well-being
When tragedy struck, RCMP Cpl. Meredith Darrah’s inbox would inevitably fill with messages to “take care of each other.” While the words were comforting, she wanted to do more to help others facing tough situations.
[PHOTO: RCMP Cpl. Meredith Darrah with The General]
After 18 months of research and hard work, The General, an eight-month-old standard poodle, is about to join the force as part of a pilot project designed to enhance member well-being. Provided by Canine Therapy for First Responders, The General will assist the Re-Integration program, helping employees return to work after leave.
The General will perform 10-20 specific tasks to provide emotional support, such as interrupting anxiety-driven behaviors and offering a calming presence. He will also be equipped with safety gear to accompany members to the shooting range and attend meetings.
This initiative reflects the RCMP’s commitment to mental health, aiming to create a supportive and compassionate workplace. The General’s presence is expected to bring comfort and smiles during challenging times, showcasing the positive impact of canine therapy.
Foundation Joins Odawa Native Friendship Centre to Promote Bike Safety
The RCMP Foundation takes great pride in actively supporting events, programs and community-based projects that make a positive impact. Recently, we were delighted to be involved with the BIKE SAFETY INFO SESSION hosted by the Ontario RCMP in Ottawa and sponsored by the Ottawa Native Friendship Centre. This informative event gave local cyclists a wonderful opportunity to learn valuable tips for safe riding while also entering for a chance to win a brand-new bicycle generously donated by the RCMP Foundation.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the enthusiastic participants who attended, demonstrating their commitment to making the streets a little bit safer for everyone in the community. Events like these play a vital role in promoting road safety awareness and responsible cycling practices. The RCMP Foundation is honored to contribute to such worthy causes that benefit Canadians from coast to coast.
CHEO Teddy Bears’ Picnic
On Sunday, June 16, 2024, the RCMP Foundation participated in the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s (CHEO) annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic. The event, held at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, commemorated CHEO’s 50 years of dedicated care, compassion, and commitment to the health and well-being of children since its establishment in 1974.
[PHOTO: Sgt. Kim Chamberland and Constable Renata Salles spread the joy at the CHEO Teddy Bears’ Picnic.]
The Foundation set up a tent where RCMP members, some donning the iconic Red Serge uniform, handed out plush teddy bears and other licensed merchandise to attendees. They also answered questions from the public, making it an engaging and educational experience.
The RCMP Foundation expressed their gratitude to CHEO for the invitation and thanked everyone in attendance for making the event a success. It was a delightful day spent celebrating CHEO’s remarkable journey and their unwavering dedication to the community’s health over the past half-century.
(Thanks to CHEO for the beautiful letter of appreciation!)
African Nova Scotian Centre of Excellence
The RCMP Foundation is pleased to take part in the development of the African Nova Scotian Centre of Excellence. It was immediately obvious to Digby RCMP Commander S/Sgt. George Cameron that helping to fund the development of the Centre through the Jordantown-Acaciaville-Conway Betterment Association (JACBA) was an opportunity for his members to continue to build bridges within their community.
[PHOTO: RCMP Commander S/Sgt. George Cameron presents a cheque to JACBA Executive Director Kerry Johnson.]
“I’d like to thank JACBA for considering our involvement in this extraordinary project,” said S/Sgt. Cameron. “By supporting the centre’s future programming and events, we look forward to an ongoing and meaningful partnership with the communities of Jordantown, Acaciaville and Conway.”
Celebrating the culture, history and heritage of African Nova Scotians, the Centre’s plans include fighting long-standing and systemic inequities while providing much needed multi-generational supports to the community. Its programs will meet the needs of every generation and will include early childhood educational programs, after-school programming, day programs and activities for seniors, skills development, economic development and financial planning supports, as well as ancestry research.
Those who were denied the chance to receive an education will also find plenty of opportunities at the Centre as a result of new and existing partnerships with educational institutions across the province. In August, S/Sgt. Cameron presented a $3,000 cheque to an appreciative Kerry Johnson, president of JACBA.
“We thank the Digby RCMP for their donation. We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to donating and we are so grateful that you chose to donate to the JACBA Centre of Excellence,” said Johnson.
The solar-powered Centre of Excellence is designed to Zero Carbon Building Standards and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2024.
Visit www.jacba.ca to learn more about the Centre.
Inuksuk Drum Dancers
With the assistance of the RCMP Foundation, the Inuksuk Drum Dancers recently shared traditional and contemporary Inuit songs in Inuktitut, throat songs, and choreographed drum dances with an international audience.
[PHOTO: Inuksuk Drum Dancers perform at HarbourVoices! in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo Credit: Christopher Deacon.]
The event took place from June 29 through July 4, 2024, at the Harbour VOICES International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Harbour VOICES is an innovative, six-day celebration of diverse singing traditions from around the globe.
This contribution provided a wonderful opportunity for these young artists to show their culture—and their unique singing and drumming talents—to the world. It’s also the perfect opportunity for RCMP members to show their support for this important and iconic Indigenous dance troupe.
“Mary Piercey-Lewis, their teacher, teaches them leadership at the same time, teaching them how to support their community, how to volunteer, how to better their community. To me, that’s super important when it comes to supporting a group like this,” said Chief Supt. Andrew Blackadar., Commanding Officer of the RCMP in Nunavut.
The $3,000 donation from the RCMP Foundation helped the 24 students and six Inuit tradition-bearers cover the high cost of accommodations and travel for the troupe, their instruments and their wardrobes.
Piikani Nation Mural
The mural that will grace the outside wall of the Piikani RCMP Detachment in southern Alberta will both move us closer to reconciliation with the Indigenous community and allow our members to learn more about the Blackfoot culture. That, according to Piikani RCMP Detachment Commander Vince Bacon following the award from the RCMP Foundation of $2,500 to fund the project.
[PHOTO: A wall mural on the Piikani Nation RCMP detachment building created with symbolic Blackfoot Winter Count imagery.]
Piikani is an Indigenous community near the Canada–U.S. border just south of Calgary, Alberta.
Following a discussion with the Nation Elder circle, the Blackfoot “Winter Count” was chosen as the perfect project for the wall. CO Vince Bacon says the project met with much enthusiasm.
The work will be completed by Kyle Plain Eagle, a local Indigenous artist and Knowledge Keeper, a respected Indigenous community member who knows about and understands cultural practices and protocols, the language, the land and traditional use of plants, land stewardship and traditional health and wellness, among other things. CO Bacon says it’s about building a relationship with the community.
Relationships are extremely important when developing trust and respect between the RCMP and the community. CO Bacon says this artistic project on the detachment wall is a strong and positive message that is more than reconciliation, it’s reconcili-ACTION!
Winnipeg “The Good Way Run”
Ka Ni Kanichihk—pronounced Ga Ni Ganichick and translated to mean “those who lead” in the Ininew (Cree) language—was established in 2001 by visionary community leaders and Elders who understood that Indigenous-designed and led programs and services are essential for bringing about meaningful social transformation.
The RCMP Foundation is proud to support this important organization through a direct contribution of $1,500 and through the donation of an additional $1,500 provided to the organizers of a fundraising event this past October for Ka Ni Kanichihk. It was called The Good Run held in Winnipeg.
Ka Ni Kanichihk is at the very centre of Winnipeg’s Indigenous community. Its vision is to lead its people back home to a place where they are self-determining, healthy, happy, and respected for their cultural and spiritual strengths and ways of being.
Ka Ni Kanichihk is accomplishing its stated mission through prevention and intervention programs that help children, youth, women, men, and families heal, succeed, and become leaders. Ka Ni Kanichihk also provides mentorship, education and job-skills training, and support for women and families.
Apply to the Champion Fund now!
If your community could benefit from an RCMP Foundation Champion Fund grant, begin by reading through our funding criteria on the Champion Fund page.