Letter Of Thanks
Letter of thanks from OPP Youth Foundation Bursary Award recipient ...
03 February, 2015
Dear OPP Youth Foundation,
This year has been a very exciting year for me. I finally started my career in media like I've always aspired to and I'm overcoming new challenges every day. Toronto is a big change for me compared to Windsor; I'm adjusting to that as well. I just want to say a few things in regards to the scholarship, my current and my future plans. I remember speaking at Saint Marie Restaurant in Midland and saying getting this scholarship felt like a boulder has been lifted from my shoulder. Some people graduate school and are left with thousands of dollars in debt. I'm lucky enough to live without that extra worry, it's been truly a blessing and I thank you for giving me this break in life.
I finished my 6th and last semester with straight A's, a 4.0 grade point average, which has lead to me successfully acquiring my Advanced Diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communications. I'm now working as a Media Coordinator at Havas Media, Toronto. The perks of this industry are amazing and since I'm part of the broadcast buying team, I get to attend a lot of big red carpet events that take place amongst the television industry. I'm really valued at Havas and I'm excellent at what I do but I'm not entirely sure I'm going to stick with media for the rest of my life. I've acquired so many other skills in school that I can use in other marketing-related positions. I feel like I can do so much more.
I've also been considering going back to school. I really enjoyed learning and going through College. Part of me wants to take it a step higher and go to University so I can get a degree. It's a huge decision but it would definitely make me that much more valuable over other potential candidates when I'm applying to become a director of some sort in the future. My strongest subject has always been math, so if I were to go back to school I would choose to pursue a degree that is math-related. Over 90% of math majors in the world are employed with great jobs. However, University is very expensive and it's just not in my budget right now but you never know what the future holds. I feel like I still have so much more to learn because I'm so young. I'm only 21 and I'm already starting my career, while most of my friends are still in Windsor doing the same old things. I feel like school is what has given me the upper hand over the majority of the people around me and I want more knowledge.
I just want to say thank you again for your support, words can't describe the gratitude I have for Shawna and the OPP Youth Foundation for reaching out and helping me. Don't ever hesitate to ask me for anything, I'd love to give back to the community as much as possible. Making positive changes in the world is what I strive for, and I know that's what you guys wake up to do every day.
Sincerely yours,
David
North West Region Youth Summer Camp 2014
14 September, 2014
To all it may concern,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who made the 2014 OPP Summer Camp an experience my son Gavin will never forget. He has been home for 3 days now and still cannot stop talking about the friends, the councellors, the cook and everyone else that he encountered during the camp. He has so many stories that our dinner conversation has never been so entertaining and Gavin has to be reminded that he actually has to take a break to eat. My youngest son keeps saying that he can not wait until he turns 12 so that he can go (he is only 7 so I am hoping by then he can understand that you are chosen to participate and not everyone can attend lol).
I think that you have truly started an amazing program and again I would like to thank you for allowing my son the opportunity to participate in it. To Officer Peter Bertin who helped get him set up with all the paperwork, to the officers who made sure he got to and from the camp safe and to everyone who participated in the camp itself, our family thanks you. You truly leave a lasting impression of the OPP service in the eyes of our youth.
Warmest regards,
Samantha
Thank You
17 June, 2014
Dear Mr.Ryder,
Thank you for paying the money for me to go on my grade eight graduation trip! My mom and I are really thankful for your assistance. Thanks so much.
It's really kind and amazing how you do this for people who don't have the money. Without you I couldn't go, so thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Brittany
The North West Region 2013 Youth Camp
09 October, 2013
The North West Region 2013 Youth Camp was as exciting as one could hope for. Along with the usual events and activities the kids were treated to a day of sailing for those who wished to try. Superintendent VanStraalen attended as he usually does and one of his sailing partners brought a sailboat and took the kids out 3 ' 4 at a time. The kids appeared reluctant at first but had a blast once they took to the water. Other field trips included a visit to the Amethyst Mines, exploring Thunder Bay with the Amazing Race game and we wound the day up at the park where there was a live outdoor concert. Of course camp included the games, swimming, fires, and visits from many of the OPP specialty units. This year the ERT (Emergency Response Team) prepared an obstacle course for the kids which they challenged each of the other teams for time.
This year we had each of the kids provide a letter of thanks to the various sponsors which were mailed out with the awesome homemade cards that were prepared at camp.
Dave Cain
North East Region
09 September, 2012
RE: O.P.P. Y.D.F. Funding - Emma (funding provided for Dance Classes)
Frank,
On behalf of my family and Emma we thank you and the foundation for making a difference in the lives of those you need a helping hand, it is a class act what you folks do and it doesn't go unnoticed by those of us who care about the future of our youth and giving them a fighting chance to belong to something that develops a sense of self worth and belonging in our communities. Keep up the good work folks it is indeed sincerely appreciated. If there is anything I can do to help you in the northeast please let me know and am willing to do my part to help the foundation to get the word out as Auxiliary officer we have opportunities where we could possibly educate people on what the foundation is about.
Again thank you very much on Emma's behalf,
Richard Audette
Auxiliary Police Sgt. - Porcupine
NER
10 May, 2012
Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment 1913 Petawawa Blvd. Pembroke, (ON) K8A 7H5
OPP Youth FoundationFrank Ryder,
Chair Youth Development Fund Committee,
27 Neelands St., Barrie ON
L4N 7A1
Dear Mr Ryder:
On the 22, 23, 24 July 2010, the fourth annual Upper Ottawa Valley OPP/Military Police /AECL Security Youth Leadership Course was held. This year the Renfrew County paramedics joined our team and provided First Aid/CPR training on the first day.
On the second day, the youth received leadership instruction from the OPP, MP's and AECL Security . In the afternoon the youth volunteered in the community. The volunteer community hours completed count toward their high school hours. On the final day, the youth participated in a canoe and hiking trip on the Petawawa River.
Our team of 911 officers was able to mentor, influence and build positive relationships with the youth at such a critical age. Once again this year, four students from last year's course were brought back to mentor and work with this years' students.
The following quotes are from the Pembroke Observer and the Petawawa Post:
-I learned some important principles during the course. I learned that it is more than talking; you have to do the actions to be effective. I learned honesty and loyalty and you can help people and your community out.-I decided to return as a mentor because last summer was a valuable experience and I wanted others to experience that as well.
-The information and training will help me decided on a possible career goal; I think I may pursue a career in security at AECL.
Should you have any questions about this year's event, please do not hesitate to contact me at 613-735-0188.
Thank you for your support.
Yours truly,Jerry Novack #9377
Provincial Constable
North West Region 2011 Youth Summer Camp
02 July, 2011
The 5th annual OPP North West Regions Summer Camp was held at Sunny Coves Camp east of Fort Frances from 26 June & 02 July 2011.
Prov. Const. reports that 40 youth ages 11 & 12 years attended from detachment areas including Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, Atikokan, Red Lake, Ear Falls, Pickle Lake, Ignace, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Nipigon, Schreiber, Armstrong, Geraldton, Shabiqua, Upsala and Thunder Bay, truly a North West Region camp. A total of 12 police officers participated as councillors; this speaks to the support for this program.
There were many activities throughout the week such as swimming, sporting activities and camp fires. OPP specialty units such as Explosive Disposal Unit, Forensic Unit, and Motorcycle units entertained the group for a morning.
Everyone participated with making and painting masks, one evening they watched a live theatre group perform in a renovated barn, and on Canada day they headed to Fort Frances to experience the excitement of a fair, karaoke, swimming, bowling and of course fireworks to finish off the day.
The highlight of the week was Thursday, when three large house boats pulled up on the beach. All 40 kids and councillors then spent the day touring Rainy Lake including a stop at a wonderful beach where water fun began.
One male and one female camper were awarded OPP Bears as recognition for their efforts, participation and personal challenges they over came during the week. The camp ended with tears from both campers and councillors and many new friendships being started.
Prov. Cst. Dave Cain is pleased to acknowledge and thank those who contributed to the success of this camp. First of all OPP Youth Foundations has supported the Camp from the beginning when it was just a day camp. This year the camp received additional sponsorship through a grant applied for by Fort Frances Safety Coalition along with support from Fort Frances Board of Education and Fort Frances Kiwanis group and the host community of Fort Frances. It's obvious that this camp would never be possible without the financial support of all these organizations.
Of course contributions to camps such as this come in other forms, which we also could not have done without. P.C. Dave Cain expressed how fortunate he was to have Cst. Anne McCoy from Fort Frances who was Co-Director and took a lead role in securing the funding which was obtained from her community. As well the other officers who dedicated a week of their life to this camp, without their enthusiasm and leadership again this would not be possible.
Dave also acknowledged the support of the OPP North West Regional Command staff, the cooperation of each detachment commander and of course individual officers who may not have been able to attend but took on the challenge of identifying youth in their communities. Officers acting as councillors put in 16 hour days and in some cases evening calls when kids had issues. It should be noted that Gull Bay Police Service supplied one officer who was a wonderful addition to the councillor team. The OPP Graphics Department in Orillia provided journals for each of the campers and councillors. These journals were used to record activities, thoughts and memories of the week.
This camp would never be possible without support from all of those acknowledged, who obviously recognise the importance of police working with youth in an environment that lends to positive interaction. This camp is based on police and youth building a relationship where they are both able to learn, respect and appreciate each other in an open non threatening environment.
Dave ends his report with "I am proud of those organizations that have supported our camp and officers who participated. We look forward to the challenges for next years camp and encourage you to keep us on your radar."
Today's Youth are Tomorrows Future
Junior Constable Summer Camp
15 February, 2011
Bob EamerExecutive Director
OPP Youth Foundation 15 February 2011
I would like to thank OPP Youth Foundations for your continued support for our OPP North West Regions Summer Camp. Your donation of $6,640.00 will go a long way to keeping this camp a reality for the youth of our region. I know that I do not need to say it but I will anyway, "this event would never be possible without committed organizations such as yours." OPP Youth Foundations has supported this adventure during its humble beginnings, something that I am eternally grateful and will not forget.
Camp this year will be in Fort Frances from 26 June - 02 July, and we are in full swing. As in the past you can expect a complete report after the camp has concluded.
Again on behalf of the camp committee, councillors, and the region thank you for your continued support.
D.S. (Dave) CainDirector OPP N/W Region Summer Camp
ESSEX O.P.P. 2010 COP CAMP
21 July, 2010
Dear OPP Youth Foundation
On behalf of the Ontario Provincial Police 2010 COP CAMP Committee I would like to thank you for your generous gift of $6400.00. Your support and commitment to helping improve Cop Camp 2010 is sincerely appreciated.
This year we will have the pleasure of inviting 64 boys and girls, ages 12-13, to join us at Gesstwood Camp and Retreat Centre. The youths represented elementary schools in Tecumseh, Lakeshore, Kingsville, Essex and Pelee Island. Your donation in its entirety directly funded their meals, accommodations, transportation and activities such as Movie Night, Rock and Bowl, Fishing on Lake Erie, Rock Climbing, Beach Volleyball, Swimming, Leadership Games and so many more activities, too many to list!
Each year Cop Camp continues to advance its mission of positively influencing youth through leadership. Last year, without a doubt was an absolute success! Through Cop Camp. it is our belief, that we have seen many young lives inspired and changed for the better.
The goal of Cop Camp is to continue to make a difference for our youth. With the help of donations from supporters such as you. Cop Camp will continue as an annual event.
Thank you again for your generous support of our efforts.
Kind regards.
Rick Tonial Sergeant Rick Tonial - Essex OPP - Camp Chair