Police Foundation Gala gets ready to host Second Cuffs for a Cause Fundraising Dinner
By Claire Paradis
Anyone looking for a night out in the Heritage City should set aside Saturday, March 3rd to attend the Nelson Police Foundation Second Cuffs for a Cause Fundraising Dinner at the Selkirk College Tenth Street Campus.
Attendees will not only enjoy an amazing meal with live entertainment but will also be raising funds to provide education tools to its current sworn and civilian members along with a pair of NPF projects — speed reader boards and Police Heritage Car project at L.V. Rogers High School.
As well as providing education tools, the Foundation hopes to develop and implement crime prevention or recreational community programs to enhance public safety through the purchase of equipment or infrastructure not able to be purchased through the current department budget.
“We want to give officers the training and equipment they need,” said Howie Grant of the Nelson Police Foundation.
“We’re not expecting tax payers to pay for anything over and above what the Police Department receives from the City. The City supports the Nelson Police Department wonderfully, but there is always extra training that can be taken and equipment.”
The Nelson Police Foundation, the brainstorm of former Nelson Chief Wayne Holland, was established in May of 2013.
During his time working in the Vancouver Police Department, Chief Holland saw first-hand the benefits of the local Police Foundation.
Grant is optimistic the Foundation can be just as successful in Nelson as is Holland’s former stomping grounds in Vancouver as money raised could be used to train more DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officers and for more mental health training to deal with “issues we’re so familiar with in this town.”
“You have to try to understand what that individual is going through,” said Grant, talking about persons with mental health issues.
“[Officers] do a great job right now, but having more training, and having more understanding of what people are dealing with makes for better relationships.”
The Police Heritage Car project at LV Rogers High School is also pegged to receive help from the Gala proceeds.
The car project is the brainchild of Sgt. Brian Weber, who been working hands-on with students over the years.
Grant said about 50 or 60 students have been part of restoring the 1964 classic car and have developed a bond with both police and car.
“The goal is to restore the car to its 1964 appearance for parades,” Grant explained. “What’s good about it is, the students as they grow up, they’re going to see it and say ‘Hey, you know, I was a part of that.’”
Keeping anticipation high has been one of the reasons that it’s been a couple of years since the first gala in 2015.
The special event takes many hours to host and NPF didn’t want to tax organizers or people dressing up to enjoy the fun.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Selkirk College Mary Hall with dinner set for 6:30 p.m. Tickets, $60, can be purchased from Foundation Directors or email administration@nelsonpolice.ca.
