Nelson Police Foundation ready to serve the community
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Nelson Police Foundation was established in May of 2013.
More than two years later, the NPF is about to spread its wings under the umbrella of the Osprey Foundation.
At its regular board meeting Friday, the NPF opened its doors to explain to the public the goal of the new organization.
“We’re here as a charitable purpose to provide sworn and civilian men and women of the Nelson Police Department with the opportunity to obtain education, training and enhance their law enforcement skills,” said Foundation Chair Howie Grant.
The Foundation was the idea of current Nelson Police Chief Wayne Holland.
During his time working in the Vancouver Police Department, Chief Holland saw first hand the benefits of the local Police Foundation.
“Chief Holland was instrumental in developing a police foundation here in Nelson,” Grant said.
Grant is optimistic the Foundation can be just as successful in Nelson as is Holland’s former stomping grounds in Vancouver.
As well as providing education tools to its current sworn and civilian personal, the Foundation hopes to develops and implements crime prevention or recreational community programs and enhance public safety through the purchase of equipment or infrastructure not able to be purchase through the current department budget.
“There are certain things that can be done in the community that are special the City should not always be expected to pay for,” Grant said.
Along with Grant as Foundation Chair, Am Naqvi is the Treasurer; Roger Higgins is the Police Board Director while Foundation Directors include Bob Nyyens, Mike McIndoe, Jan Wright and Barry Taylor.
Chief Wayne Holland and Deputy Chief Paul Burkart serve on the Foundation Board in advisory roles.
The role of the board includes recruiting and maintaining directors; recruiting donors, implementing, producing and producing grants; receiving applications from personal for training or educational purposes; and overseeing the dispersal of Foundation funds.
Of course, in any new Foundation, funds must be generated before any dollars can be allocated.
Which is why the Foundation is hosting Cuffs and Claws Lobster Feast, set for the fall at the Tenth Street Campus of Selkirk College.
“Cuffs and Claws is basically is a way for us to announce the foundation and its existence in the community and recognizing some people for their efforts in the community,” Grant explained.
There are currently two projects the Foundation has already in place — the annual Emergency Services Camp for local high school students and the 1969 Plymouth Satellite Vintage Police Car project.
While the NPF may have started a few years ago, the Nelson Police Association has been busy for the past 20 years delivering funds back to the community by generating funds from its annual Fishing Derby.
This year the 21st annual Derby is scheduled for October 17-19.
“Fishing Derby going on well over 20 years and has contributed well over $50,000 to the Interpretive Centre at Kokanee Park,” Grant explained.
“It’s those charitable and community events that we’re looking to build on with the foundation.”
To make a donation to the Foundation contact any Police Board or Nelson Police Foundation member or sworn official with the Nelson Police Department.
Or better yet, purchase a ticket to the upcoming Cuffs and Claws Lobster Feast.
Not only will the money go to a great cause, but also the supporter gets a great evening of entertainment and a lobster feast at the same time.
