The Ontario Provincial Police, the OPP Youth Foundation (OPPYF) and TD have together launched a new partnership that will enable OPP officers to continue the OPP Community Bear Program.

The OPP Community Bear Program gives an opportunity for our officers to provide reassurance and comfort to our youngest victims, with the aim of beginning the process of rebuilding their sense of safety and security.

Through the sponsorship of TD, the OPP Community Bear Program will equip OPP cruisers with Community Bears that officers will hand out to children who have experienced a traumatic and/or stressful incident.

OPP, OPPYF and TD officials launched the program at the Orillia OPP General Headquarters where supporters and media were given a first look at the Community Bears before they take to the road in OPP cruisers. The 1,500 Community Bears being provided by TD will be distributed among detachments in all six of the OPP's regions.

"The OPP is committed to assisting those affected by crime or traumatic events to get the support they need. The OPP Community Bear Program connects our officers to some of our youngest victims, in hopes to encourage resiliency." -- OPP Inspector Robyn MacEachern, Community Safety Services.

"TD is proud to partner with the OPP and the OPP Youth Foundation to help provide Community Bears to children in stressful situations." -- Bradley Kennedy, Professional Assistant Branch Manager, TD Wealth

source: media release, OPP