York Regional Police is proud to announce it has established a formal partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada, adding an additional layer of mental health support and resources for our members and their families.

Today, Chief Eric Jolliffe and Deputy Chief Tom Carrique presented Wounded Warriors Canada Executive Director Scott Maxwell with cheques totaling $10,000 in support of the organization, money donated by the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board, Ride 4 Styles and several internal YRP initiatives.

They were joined by Wounded Warriors National Partnerships Director, Steven Topham, and Sergeant Andy Cook, a member of York Regional Police and Canadian Armed Forces Veteran.

Wounded Warriors Canada offers a wide range of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) programs for Veterans and First Responders. Their national programming is focused not only on the individual members affected by operational stress, but their family members as well.

“We’re pleased to partner with this innovative organization which is committed to the health, safety and wellness of those affected by trauma and occupational stress injuries,” said Chief Jolliffe. ”We see this partnership as a comprehensive enhancement of the support we currently offer our members.”

Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada, commented, “Today’s announcement recognizes the fact that no one service, association, government agency, or organization will ever be the 100 per cent solution for their members in need of mental health support. When a member is struggling, it doesn’t matter where, when or how the injury occurred. What matters is that our First Responders and their families know that we are in this together – working to ensure they receive the help they so rightly deserve. That’s exactly what this partnership is about and we look forward to working with York Regional Police in the months and years to come.”

York Regional Police is among Canada’s policing leaders for its internal programs that recognize and support members struggling with mental health challenges, including wellness training provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Road to Mental Readiness training, the 47-member Peer Support Team and the addition of two staff psychologists, who have developed a Mental Health Support Strategy for our organization.

YRP has been a long-time supporter of Wounded Warriors Canada, with members participating in the annual Highway of Heroes Bike Ride from Trenton to Toronto each August. Last year, the York Regional Police Team raised more than $25,000. This year, we are pleased to be joined by officers and special constables from across Ontario under the team name One Blue (B1UE) with one goal – to raise awareness of, and funding for, the much-needed Wounded Warriors Canada programs that support our valued members of the Canadian Armed Forces and first responders. The fundraising goal this year is $35,000.

On September 7, 2018, YRP is hosting To Serve and Savour, a unique culinary experience featuring some of Canada’s top chefs, live entertainment and dancing on the Magna International grounds in the Town of Aurora. The fundraising goal of this gala event is $500,000 for Wounded Warriors while raising awareness of its programs and resources. More information and tickets are available at yrp.ca/serveandsavour.