The following release was authoured and prepared by Jessica Woolard, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island
The Canadian Police Canine Association, in partnership with the Saanich Police, donate over
$24,000 to Children’s Health Foundation on National Philanthropy Day
November 15, 2013 Victoria, BC
Saanich Police hosted the 2013 Police Canine Championships from September 18 to 22 at the University of Victoria, an event which raised $24,930.66 for Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island’s Jeneece Place. The cheque was presented to foundation CEO Linda Hughes and Jeneece Edroff at Jeneece Place today, November 15, National Philanthropy Day. (photo below)
The Championships, put on yearly by the Canadian Police Canine Association and this year hosted by the Saanich Police, are a friendly competition between police canine teams from across Canada and the USA to determine who is Top Dog. Canine teams compete in obedience, agility, and the crowd favourite — criminal apprehension. Saanich police dog Zeke, with his two-legged partner Cst. Jon Zielinski, was crowned national champion.
Each year, the host K9 unit chooses a charity to benefit from funds raised at the event through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and various raffles.
“The Saanich Police K9 Unit unanimously chose Jeneece Place as the charity to benefit from the championships,” said Sgt. Glen Mackenzie of the Saanich Police.” The members of our unit all have children of our own, and we had all watched Jeneece as she grew up over the years. We admire her courage and selflessness and know that Jeneece Place is filling an important role for many Island families.”
The donation to Jeneece Place is the largest donation that has been made to Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island in support of Jeneece Place since the house opened in January 2012 (excluding estate gifts).
“The officers demonstrate the essence of philanthropy — believing in a program that is helping people in the community, and doing what they can to support it. This incredible donation, one of the largest to come to Jeneece Place since it opened, comes on a most appropriate day — the 2013 National Philanthropy Day,” said Linda Hughes, chief executive officer of the foundation.
2013 marks the second time Victoria hosted the Championships; they were last hosted here in 2006.
About Jeneece Place:
Owned and operated by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, Jeneece Place is a residence for families whose children need medical services in Victoria. Located on the grounds of the Victoria General Hospital, the 10,500 square foot house features 10 bedrooms (accommodating 40+ guests), a communal kitchen, dining, living, laundry, games and media rooms, and an outdoor play area. Jeneece Place opened in January 2012 and has hosted over 690 families.
Media Contacts:
Jessica Woollard, Communications Officer, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island
250-519-6722, 778-679-7228 (cell) or
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158, Saanich Police Department, Public Information Officer
250-475-4337, 250-883-0857 (cell) or