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.
Foundation supports ‘The General’ boosting members’ well-being
with The General
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.
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
Constable Renata Salles spread the
joy at the 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.
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.
“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 and the hard work of the performers, the Inuksuk Drum Dancers will be sharing traditional and contemporary Inuit songs in Inuktitut, throat songs, and choreographed drum dances with an international audience.
The event will be taking 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 will provide 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 will help 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.
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.