The Premier's Crime Prevention Awards were presented today during a ceremony hosted by the Lieutenant Governor at Fanningbank.
The Premier's Crime Prevention Awards Program was established to recognize the commitment of Islanders to community safety through the prevention of crime. "The program provides the province with an opportunity to show its appreciation to Islanders who have made significant contributions in the area of crime prevention," says Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island.
This year's award recipients are: in the Family Violence category, Rona Brown, nominated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for her work in the area of Family Violence Prevention; Leonard MacGuigan, in the Individual category nominated by the Provincial Correctional Centre for his tireless work with individuals in the area of addictions; and, Island Tel and Maritime Electric in the Business category, nominated by the Charlottetown City Police Department for their commitment to the Eyes and Ears Program that provides a mobile safe house for children and other citizens in an emergency situation.
"Award recipients this year have shown by their example that we all have the power to make a difference as individuals and as communities when we work together as part of our community," said Premier Binns. "A strong community means everyone feels a sense of belonging. When we strive to be good neighbours, find ways to include everyone, and show respect to each other, we are improving our quality of life."
The Premier's Crime Prevention Awards program provides an excellent opportunity to help broaden Islanders' understanding of the diverse nature of "crime prevention." The awards program has been in existence since 1987. Over the years many individuals, groups and organizations from all walks of life have been recognized for having an impact on the safety of their communities.
Crime prevention is more than locking your windows and your doors. It is also communities and individuals, young and old, working together building stronger communities that care about each other. This week many organizations throughout the Island are sponsoring events to raise awareness of the many different aspects of crime prevention.
Police Story Telling: RCMP and Charlottetown City Police Officers will be reading to children. Check your local library for date and time.
Nov. 3. The Canadian Red Cross held an interactive presentation on Abuse Prevention Services.
Nov. 4. Newcomers Night: Montague
Nov. 4. The PEI Home Economics Association and the PEI Home Economics Teachers Association have purchased a doll for the IODE. Baby Think it Over program. A baby shower, with all gifts donated to Anderson House, will be held to welcome "Doris Jean." She is named after two highly regarded home economists, Senator Doris Anderson and Dr. Jean MacKay. Home Economics teachers across the province now have over 20 "babies" for their Family and Child Studies programs.
Nov. 5. Panel Discussion/workshop relating to issues of: child poverty, abuse, and neglect; family violence; youth crime; crime prevention; and, community safety. 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the Coles Building on Richmond Street, Charlottetown. Sponsored by Community Legal and Information Association, CHANCES and the Early Childhood Development Association.
For more information, contact Jill Lightwood, justice Resource Service, (902) 368-4583.