Anishinabek Police Service and Winch Group partner with OPP for sports equipment drive

November 3, 2016

This photos were from the Winch Sport Equipment Drive held in M'Chigeeng FN on Oct 27, 2014. Photo courtesy of West Parry Sound OPP — Photo from a previous Winch Sport Equipment Drive held in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Oct 27, 2014. Photo courtesy of West Parry Sound OPP.

WEST PARRY SOUND, ON (November 3, 2016) – On Monday, November 7, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Anishinabek Police Service (APS), and the Winch Group Benefit Consultants Inc. will be hosting a sports equipment drive at the Wasauksing Community Complex located at 1508 Geewadin Road (Lane G).

Youth from Wasauksing First Nation, Shawanaga First Nation, Henvey Inlet First Nation, and Magnetawan First Nation are invited to attend the event to choose their own equipment to use when playing their favourite sports.

For the past seven years, the Winch Group Benefit Consultants Inc. have held the equipment drive that organizers say plays a crucial role in giving young people access to sports equipment. Numerous studies have shown that participation in sport and recreation at a young age builds confidence and self-esteem.

OPP officers will be transporting the donated items from the Halton Region to the Wasauksing Community Centre where they will be sorted and organized before being distributed.

OPP Sergeant Gilles Lachance, the Provincial Liaison Team Coordinator for the North East Region OPP, knows that this generosity and thoughtfulness will give youth items that they might otherwise not have access to.

“Officers from both APS and OPP will be present at the event to meet the youth and to assist with the distribution. The OPP is proud to be a partner in this worthwhile community event. ”