Premier’s Crime Prevention Awards Celebrates 19 Years of Recognizing Islanders
The 19th Annual Premier’s Crime Prevention Awards were presented today by the Honourable Pat Binns in a ceremony at Government House. 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 important because they recognize the contributions of individuals and groups to community safety and crime prevention,” said Premier Binns. “Since 1987, this event has recognized the efforts of almost a hundred individuals, families and organizations working in communities across the province to prevent crime and increase our safety and security. Add to this hundreds of nominees and it is clear that Islanders take crime prevention - and their responsibility for it - very seriously.”
Two individuals and two groups were honoured with 2005 Premier’s Crime Prevention Awards today.
Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI is recognized for their commitment to crime prevention through a variety of projects including work on family violence prevention, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder, leadership, policy development and linking youth and Elders. The AWA acknowledges the unfortunate occurrence of violence and crime within peoples’ lives. The Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI will celebrate twenty years of commitment to improving the lives of PEI’s Aboriginal communities in 2006.
Gordie Cox is recognized for his work with fellow teachers and students from Colonel Gray High School to produce a 26-minute film entitled “Reflection” which focuses on impaired driving. The goal was to create a short film which was relevant to the issues facing 21st century youth. The film has received excellent reviews from different organizations including Highway Safety, Charlottetown City Police, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
Stratford Youth Can-Do offers a drop-in centre to local youth providing positive social peer contact in a safe environment and positive programming and activities for youth in grades 5 to 12. The facility is unique in Canada because the youth share space with the Stratford Mayflower Senior’s Club. The Stratford Youth Can-Do Centre continues to grow and expand programs that allow youth to gain valuable skills, good citizenship skills, and an opportunity to see the important significance of volunteering.
As a member of the Souris Detachment of the RCMP, Constable Earl Woods has been the driving force in pro-active policing in Souris and surrounding areas for many years. He has talked to students about bus, personal and Hallowe’en safety and has helped to change the way students view police officers. While Cst. Woods mostly visits Fortune Consolidated in his capacity as School Liaison, he also has been a volunteer helping out during special days whenever possible.
“Each of the recipients honoured today has 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 my pleasure to recognize their outstanding contributions to our communities,” said Premier Binns.