OPP NOT SOLICITING FUNDS FOR ITS
COMMUNITY BEAR PROGRAM
(ORILLIA, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is very proud to have a number of key partnerships in place throughout the Province of Ontario that benefit the communities policed by the OPP.
Recently, the Norfolk County OPP Detachment received a number of inquiries from residents asking about police related organizations calling to solicit funds for teddy bears.
While many OPP officers are involved in worthy charities on their personal time, the OPP is advising the public that it does not solicit funds from members of the public for its Community Bear Program or any other OPP program. The OPP's Community Bear Program is sponsored by Aviva Canada Inc.
Through the sponsorship, Aviva Canada Inc. provides OPP officers with black and white teddy bears which OPP officers give to traumatized children they encounter when they respond to incidents such as motor vehicle collisions.
The OPP is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls to solicit funds from the public.
For information on how to spot a scam and make sure you do not become a victim, please go to www.opp.ca' target='_blank'>www.opp.ca and click on Fraud Prevention on the Resources page.
For information on the OPP Community Bear Program, go to www.opp.ca' target='_blank'>www.opp.ca and click on Community Bear Program on the Resources page.
The public is also reminded that any concerns regarding aggressive or inappropriate conduct by persons attempting to solicit funds in any fashion can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by dialing 1-888-495-8801 or through their website at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/index.html.
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Contact: Sergeant Peter Leon
Ontario Provincial Police
Provincial Media Relations Coordinator
Phone: (705) 329-6878
