Just imagine you’re taken to the police station either as a victim or an offender on a cold wet night. At 1.00 a.m. you are able to leave, but what if you had nowhere to go, no money, no one you can turn to for help and you have nothing except the clothes on your back.
This is the sort of situation why our Chief of Police, Kevin Zettel, suggested setting up a Saugeen Shores Police Contingency Fund to be used at the discretion of the Police to offer a helping hand to people going through difficult times.
Following a presentation by the Police Chief to Southampton Rotary, the Members decided unanimously to support this initiative. The Club held a St. Patrick’s Day Zoom Party to raise money and agreed to match dollar for dollar up to $2,500, so a total of $5,000 has been donated to this new Police Contingency Fund.
It will be used when necessary, to provide emergency accommodation for a night until other arrangements can be made. Southampton Rotary used some of the funds to provide an initial supply of 20 backpacks for both women and men containing the information card above, personal hygiene items, some items of clothing, a can opener, a water bottle, pen and notebook and a Timmy’s card to purchase a hot meal and drink to tie people over until they can access other support.
Rotary also thanks Mike and Eleanor Mowbray from Canadian Tire for their assistance with acquiring the backpacks at cost.
Children are sometimes brought to the police station while their parents are interviewed, so the funds will also be used to provide activity kits.
Club members are investigating if appropriate videos and games can be loaded onto old recycled IPads or tablets to help keep children entertained while they are waiting.
Saugeen Shores Police Chief, Kevin Zetttel said, “The generosity of the Southampton Rotary Club has provided the Saugeen Shores Police Service with the opportunity to help those in emergent need of food, shelter, clothing, and essential needs. We are very fortunate to have the continued support of this great group of individuals”.
Southampton Rotary is proud to have kick-started this much needed Fund and will continue to work with the Police to make the Fund self-sustaining with help from other organizations and donors to be able to continue to offer a helping hand to those in need.
If you would like to donate or are interested in further information about the Fund or Southampton Rotary please contact the Club at southamptonrotary@bmts.com
