York Regional Police Association Raises $8,500 for The Salvation Army through their Annual Memorial Golf Tournament
The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church in Aurora, Ontario will continue to expand its mental health initiatives with the support of the York Regional Police Association.
Golfers raised $8,500 for The Salvation Army Central York Region at the YRPA’s 32nd annual golf tournament, held on June 6th, 2022 at RedCrest Golf Course. The tournament is held in memory and in honour of YRPA officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The YRPA has a long-standing strong partnership with The Salvation Army and the tournament has raised over $70,000 for The Salvation Army in the last 8 years. During the pandemic when the tournament was cancelled; YRPA donated $10,000 to The Salvation Army to help families in need in the region.
“The reason for the tournament was always to raise money for charity. Some goes to The Salvation Army and another portion to our benevolent fund for our members families who are dealing with various hardships,” said Mike Buchanan, York Regional Police Association Vice President and Chair of the Memorial Golf Tournament.
The proceeds from this year’s golf tournament will be supporting The Salvation Army’s Mental Health Ministries, which includes subsidized peer-support groups and individual and family support.
“Several years ago, we saw a growing need for mental health support in our community and we have developed a program to address mental health and wellness for families, teens and adults. We have hired two full-time psychotherapists and more recently we have added an intern to help expand our services,” said Salvation Army Pastor Brian Bishop. “During the COVID-19 pandemic we saw the need for support increase even more as therapy sessions continued online.”
Services include programs for those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, an emotional rescue peer-support group and parent support groups.
“YRPA and the York Regional Police (YRP) have just been so amazing and so generous over the years,” said Pastor Bishop. “The YRP also heavily support The Salvation Army Christmas programs and they developed their own Holiday Heroes program.”
“At the golf tournament I thanked the members as they arrived for their generous support but also for the work they do everyday in our community,” said Salvation Army’s Community Relations Representative Angela Covert. “They are always there for us at Christmas and throughout the year.”
For a few years leading up to the pandemic The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church has been hosting special recognition services on Sundays to show their appreciation for members of York Regional Police.
“We offer a lunch and it’s an opportunity for us to give testimony to YRP services in the community,” said Pastor Bishop.
“We continue to have a great relationship with The Salvation Army, an organization that is passionately committed to helping children and families struggling in our communities,” said Mike Buchanan. “Too often our members see first-hand the challenges facing our communities, as well as the increased need for funding to support our local mental health support services. The participation and generosity of our golfers and sponsors made this tournament a great success and enabled us to support The Salvation Army so they can continue to provide hope and support to children, families and individuals that need it most.”
To donate to The Salvation Army please visit SalvationArmy.ca or to learn more about programs in Aurora please contact The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church at 905-895-6276.
By: Caroline Franks
