The Premier’s Crime Prevention Awards were presented today by the Honourable Pat Binns at a ceremony in Charlottetown. The Premier’s awards are presented annually to recognize individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to community safety through crime prevention.
“These awards are an opportunity to recognize significant contributions to our communities,” said Premier Binns. “Each of the individuals and groups recognized this year are to be commended for their work in improving the quality of life for everyone by addressing community safety and crime prevention.”
Three individuals and one group were honoured with 2003 Premier’s Crime Prevention Awards today.
Constable Wendy Adams works to create a safer campus community at the University of Prince Edward Island. Constable Adams has focussed on assault prevention, developing a self-defense course and a series of safety awareness sessions for those living and working on campus. Constable Adams goes beyond the call of duty to help people.
Joanne Ings is Executive Director of Transition House Association. Even prior to her employment at Transition House Association, Ms. Ings was an advocate for women victims of violence and an able educator about family violence and its effects on society. She currently sits on various committees working tirelessly to change attitudes about family violence and continues to educate and advocate on a daily basis.
Charles MacPherson currently works for the Charlottetown Police Department as a Youth Outreach Worker. His role is to provide intervention to youth who are or may become in trouble with the law. Mr. MacPherson brings many skills to the often thankless and difficult task of youth intervention and, foremost, he brings a professional plan of action that is always designed to empower his clients.
"Wasn’t Me" is a play that was developed during the fall of 2002, by Dr. George Belliveau together with eight pre-service teachers from UPEI. "Wasn’t Me," addresses the issue of bullying in our schools. The presentation, includes a 35-minute drama about the effects of bullying, as well as a 45-minute facilitation/debriefing session on anti-bullying tactics to follow the production. It has been seen by more than 3,000 students and teachers. This group has demonstrated tremendous leadership qualities in being proactive and responsive to the needs of their communities.
“Those honoured today have inspired others through their efforts. They have demonstrated their commitment to making the Island a safer and friendlier place for all who live here and all who visit here, and it is a pleasure to honour them today,” said Premier Binns. “By recognizing individuals who make outstanding contributions to crime prevention in our communities, we can also encourage others to become involved. Communities and individuals working together can build stronger, safer communities.”