Sept 25 - OPP NOT SOLICITING FUNDS FOR ITS COMMUNITY BEAR PROGRAM

FROM/DE: Upper Ottawa Valley OPP DATE: September 25, 2018

OPP NOT SOLICITING FUNDS FOR ITS

COMMUNITY BEAR PROGRAM

(PEMBROKE, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is very proud to have a number of key partnerships in place throughout the Province of Ontario that benefit the communities policed by the OPP.

Recently, several OPP detachments, including the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP, received a number of inquiries from residents asking about police related organizations calling to solicit funds for teddy bears.

While many OPP officers are involved in worthy charities on their personal time, the OPP is advising the public that it does not solicit funds from members of the public for its Community Bear Program or any other OPP program.

Through sponsorship, the OPP officers give black and white teddy bears to children they encounter when faced with traumatic situations such as motor vehicle collisions.

The OPP is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls to solicit funds from the public.

For information on how to spot a scam and make sure you do not become a victim, please go to www.opp.ca and find out more on Fraud Prevention.

For information on the OPP Community Bear Program, go to www.opp.ca and find out more on Community Bear Program.

The public is also reminded that any concerns regarding aggressive or inappropriate conduct by persons attempting to solicit funds in any fashion can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by dialing 1-888-495-8501 or through their website at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm .

Contact: Cst. Shawn Peever

Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment

(613) 732-3332 - office

(613) 633-3294 - mobile