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Law Enforcement Torch Run coming to Shelburne

By Michelle Janzen

Next Wednesday, June 1, at 10.30 a.m., come rain or shine, Shelburne Police Services will host Shelburne's Torch Run for Special Olympics.

The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run is a community based, province-wide event that sees the "Flame of Hope" carried across Ontario by members of Law Enforcement agencies from across the province.

The objective of this and other events is to raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics movement in Ontario.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run has grown into the most important fund raising effort of Special Olympics programs around the world.

In 2014, over $50,000,000 was raised through the Law Enforcement Torch Run movement collectively

All funds raised through Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run events are directed into program support that directly affects all community Special Olympic Ontario (SOO) programs.

Funds are then put into community programs and help pay for various expenses including: games travel, accommodations, meals, staff support to the field, grants to new community programs, volunteer and athlete training, administration and information/promotional materials and development initiatives like the “School Program” which opens up opportunities to new athletes.

It's important to have one provincial fundraiser that helps SOO create an "equitable" playing field.

At SOO, small programs, large programs, big cities and small communities are treated with the same level of importance. The development of Special Olympics Ontario is directly related to the success of the Torch Run.

With the endorsement of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the first Law Enforcement Torch Run in Canada was held in 1987 and generated $100,000 in funds with the participation of Law Enforcement personnel from Southern Ontario.

Nationally, the run has become an annual event in ten provinces and the Northwest Territories. In Ontario alone, in excess of $26 million has been raised, establishing it as one of the most profitable torch run relationships in the world.

The success and support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run over the years has been phenomenal.

Since the torch began its partnership with Special Olympics Ontario, the number of registered athletes has grown from under 4,000 to greater than 18,000 athletes today.

As a result, SOO can essentially look into the future with security and recognize that it is possible to continue to expand its services to the increasing number of athletes.

You can donate by making a general donation to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics with either a one-time payment, or providing ongoing support through a monthly gift.

Locally, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has been a tremendous support of the Torch Run.

“We have been long supporters of the local Law Enforcement Torch Run and are sponsoring $1000 this year and did last year as well,” says Andrea Whitten, Royal Bank's Manager Client Care, speaking to the Shelburne Free Press.

Witten goes on to tell us “As well as monetary sponsorship we have employees from our branch participating in the run. As well, staff volunteers will be on hand to supply water to the runners mid-route and also volunteering at the celebration BBQ being held at John's No Frills at the end of the run.”

Post date: 2016-05-28 01:15:54
Post date GMT: 2016-05-28 05:15:54
Post modified date: 2016-06-03 23:50:13
Post modified date GMT: 2016-06-04 03:50:13