(HURON COUNTY, ON) – The Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment has received some calls over the last couple weeks from concerned citizens regarding suspicious fundraising cold calls. Some of the recipients of these suspicious calls have reported the canvassers are calling for the “Police†and “Police Retirees†and are seeking donations to purchase teddy bears to be used by police. The callers indicate the donations are to be used locally to aid children in a crisis situation or traumatic event.
As a reminder to our Huron County residents the OPP does NOT solicit funds from members of the community. The OPP currently has a Community Bear Program in place, thanks to the generous support of Aviva Canada Inc. This community partnership with Aviva Canada Inc. provides OPP officers with black and white teddy bears in more than 1,600 OPP police vehicles throughout Ontario. Officers know the trauma children can suffer and sometimes the comfort of a stuffed teddy bear can make a positive difference in the life of a scared child.
If you receive an unsolicited call for money, always verify that it’s genuine before you consider sending money. Legitimate charities deserve your support, don’t get pressured into making a poor decision, take your time, do your research, and make an informed decision.