the OPP
The Rainy River District OPP would like to extend a sincere thank you to the owner and staff of Tim Hortons in Fort Frances for their partnership in support of online safety for youth and their families.
In September, patrons of Tim Hortons purchased “Smile Cookies” during a week-long campaign.
Chocolate chunk cookies with big smiling faces were sold at $1 per cookie, totalling $4,900.
The funds were awarded earlier this month to the OPP Youth Foundation in support of the OPP Respect Technology Program.
The OPP has worked with Rainy River District school administrations in assessing their police service needs. The exercise helped police identify that bullying and online safety awareness and education were the number-one focus within the schools.
As such, the OPP set a goal of finding consistent, credible, and trusted materials for their officers, as well as their communities.
“Digital citizenship has become the bicycle safety for the modern age and we have been successful in finding a trusted source of information through our partnership with Common Sense Media [CSM],” said A/Sgt. Anne McCoy.
“Kids, parents, and teachers now have credible information available to inform and protect themselves,” she noted.
“In addition, educators, including police officers, have guidance with a free Digital Literacy and Citizenship Curriculum.”
With the support of CSM, the Tim Hortons’ funding has enabled a partnership with Confederation College graphic students to create multi-media presentations to enhance the lesson plans for youth from kindergarten-Grade 12.
“The curriculum is relevant, rigorous, and ready to use,” said A/Sgt. McCoy.
“We know that in order to take control of one the fastest-changing subjects, we need to have engaging and current materials including our presentation delivery,” she stressed.
“With the financial help from Tim Hortons, we are not only able to provide officers with current materials, but now can engage the youth with exciting new visual presentation materials,” she added.
“A truly great partnership for a very important cause.”
