KAWARTHA LAKES: “KH Crime Stoppers, along with many charities in light of COVID, has seen a drop in donations and their charitable events this past year,” said Gary Burns, President of Kawartha-Haliburton Crime Stoppers. “It would be a very sad day for Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes if the local Crime Stoppers program closed.”
The organization, which receives no federal or provincial government funding and relies solely on individual and corporate donations, held a meeting last week to discuss its future.
“We believe a responsible board must consider all options and have plans in place,” added Mr. Burns. “We will do everything in our power to keep this vital service available to the community, including asking the community we serve for help.”
The local Crime Stoppers program offers numerous benefits to the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County, including the ability for individuals to report crime anonymously.
“Being able to report a crime or provide tips anonymously gives people, who may be in vulnerable situations or fearful of their safety, the avenue they need,” said Burns. “They are never required to testify, and we don’t collect any identifying information.” Kawartha-Haliburton Crime Stoppers has helped police make more than 419 arrests, $34,171,283 worth of drugs off the street, $1,960,182 of returned property, in addition to contributing information for up to 70 weapons seized.
Mr. Burns is proud of these statistics, which he says show how vital the service Crime Stoppers offers truly is. Crime Stoppers’ current financial footing could see the organization fold and the community lose an invaluable service.
January is Crime Stoppers Month and the Board of Directors will be trying to highlight the benefit of the organization throughout next month.
“With everything we hear in the news, read in the paper, or see online about drugs and crime in our community, we can’t afford to lose this program,” he added. “The Board of Directors is committed to looking at new ways to secure donations and funds to continue to operate, but we will need help.”
For those concerned about seeing Kawartha-Haliburton Crime Stoppers program continue, Mr. Burns asks that people consider making a donation, which can be done online, at www.khcrimestoppers.com, by cheque made payable to “Kawartha-Haliburton Crime Stoppers Inc,” mailed to P.O. BOX 155, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R8, or for sponsorship or other inquiries email admin@khcrimestoppers.com.
“We are also looking for additional board members who are looking to volunteer a little of their time and expertise,” noted Mr. Burns.