Giddy up to good times, thanks to the YDF
OPP Youth Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Communications Support
The OPP Youth Foundation is proud to recognize two exceptional supporters whose expertise and dedication have played a significant role in advancing our mission and strengthening our connection with communities across Ontario. At a recent presentation, OPP Youth Foundation Challenge Coins were awarded to Terri McCormack and Alysha Van der Valk in appreciation of their tremendous contributions through their corporate and strategic communications expertise. Terri and Alysha have been invaluable partners in helping the Foundation communicate its impact, promote key initiatives, and support the success of our events. Their professionalism, creativity, and commitment have helped amplify the Foundation’s message and ensure that the stories of the youth we serve reach a wider audience. As a token of our gratitude, OPP Youth Foundation Vice Chair Dave Osborne presented a Challenge Coin to Terri McCormack, while OPP Youth Foundation Director Frank Ryder presented a Challenge Coin to Alysha Van der Valk. Their ongoing support behind the scenes has been instrumental in the success of many Foundation activities, and we are grateful for the time, expertise, and enthusiasm they continue to share with our organization. On behalf of the Board of Directors, volunteers, and the youth and families we support, thank you, Terri and Alysha, for your outstanding commitment to the OPP Youth Foundation. Your dedication helps us create meaningful opportunities and positive experiences for young people across Ontario.
A HUGE Thank you to Guys Who Care North Simcoe
Members from #SGBOPP and the OPP Youth Foundation were grateful to accept this amazing donation from the Guys Who Care North Simcoe to support youth in need in our community! Thank you so much to each member of this group and we can’t wait to report back to you in the Fall!
Supporting March Break Youth Camps
Another great project supported by the Watson Family Community Event Fund, through the OPP Youth Foundation. $600 was provided for camp supplies and materials to support daily activities. Day 1 of the BKEJ March Break Youth Camp is officially underway, and what a great start it has been. Members of #LambtonOPP, alongside the WIFN Social Services Justice Team and community partners, welcomed campers for a full day of learning, connection, and new experiences. The morning began with the Seven Grandfather Teachings, including smudging, storytelling, and medicine teachings. Campers then prepared their own pizza and Caesar salad for lunch before hearing from the WIFD, who shared important fire safety messaging and the importance of having an escape plan at home. The day wrapped up with a mental health and wellness session, where campers painted rocks, journaled, and reflected on their day. Looking forward to another great day tomorrow. Day 2 of the BKEJ Youth March Break Camp is in the books for #WIPS & #LambtonOPP. Today was filled with fun, learning, and teamwork. Campers built healthy snacks, got creative with painting, and had important conversations about healthy relationships and boundaries. They also toured OPP cruisers and learned more about policing in their community. In the afternoon, campers worked together to build duck nesting boxes. Thank you to our Walpole Island Resource Protection partners for teaching the importance of these boxes and their role in supporting local wildlife and protecting our environment. Programs like this help empower youth with positive life skills, build confidence, and strengthen community connections. Stay tuned for more from camp! #OPPYouthFoundation #CommunityPartnerships #YouthEngagement Walpole Island First Nation Council
94 New Stones Added – OPPA Story
Honouring Legacy – 94 new stones added to the Pathway of Memories & Milestones OPPA-BTB-Yearbook-December-2025-final-web 23
Hovingh Bursary
The OPP Youth Foundation was proudly represented by Retired OPP Provincial Constables Ford & Redmond at the Manitoulin Secondary School Award Night this evening. We are honoured to present the first annual OPPYF Provincial Constable Marc Hovingh Memorial Bursary to Alexis McVey. Beyond grateful to have Mrs Lianne Hovingh present this bursary to Alexis, who is attending her first year post secondary education studying kinesiology. Well done Alexis . Ontario Provincial Police – North East Region #ManitoulinOPP #8340
Shop with a Cop
OPP’s Field Support Bureau Teams Up for a Festive Cause! The #shopwithacop event was a huge success thanks to the incredible support from FSB, Canadian Tire Orillia, and the OPP Youth Foundation Who is FSB? The Field Support Bureau (FSB) is a specialized branch of the OPP that provides critical support services across the province. This includes units such as Emergency Response, Canine, Aviation, Technical Support, and more; working together to enhance frontline policing and community safety. We were proud to have representation from all units within FSB, coming together to make this day special for local youth. Thank you to everyone who helped spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories! #OPPCentralRegion #OPPcanine
Happy Helmet – Little Biker
A little rider on Manitoulin is loving her brand-new bike helmet, thanks to the Ride for Marc Hovingh. Mom says she refuses to take it off, and we couldn’t be happier to hear it! These are the moments that remind us why the OPP Youth Foundation and OPPA Credit Union are proud to support kids through bike and helmet donations. Every smile tells the story of community, generosity, and joy. #MemorialRideForMarcHovingh #OPPYouthFoundation #CommunitySupport #LittleRidersBigSmiles #OPPACreditUnion
A powerful start to the Ride to Remember!
On Day 1, the journey began at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario, with riders en route to Ottawa for the National Police Memorial. Along the way, the OPP Youth Foundation and OPPA Credit Union proudly gifted brand-new bikes and helmets to three deserving youth identified by community officers from the OPP, Hamilton Police, and Halton Police. Congratulations to Sammy (12), Marcello (7), and Brooke (7) on their new rides!Your smiles remind us what community and support are all about. #RideToRemember #OPPYouthFoundation #CommunityFirst #NationalPoliceMemorial #OPPACreditUnion
Thank you
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the support that you and the committee have shown for these kids. In small northern communities, opportunities for financial support to participate in extracurricular activities can be incredibly limited. While kids all across Ontario face unique socio-economic challenges, in the north it’s often more visible, and this kind of support truly makes a difference. As an involved “Dance Dad,” it’s heartbreaking to see kids who want to participate but can’t. But when I see the ones who’ve been supported by the OPP Youth Foundation thriving – fitting in, building connections with their peers, and finding positive role models in their teachers – it makes me proud to know the Foundation played a part in that. Thank you again for helping make that possible.
