There is no doubt that the nature of policing presents many challenges; and as first responders, our officers often meet people on their worst days. Though each of our sworn members are always ready to respond, we know that a lot of the time, the problems that the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is trying to fix go beyond what we alone can offer. To help people improve and transform their lives, they require long-term and specialized supports that can only be achieved through the power of community partnerships.

That’s why in 2024, in honour of HRPS’ 50th anniversary milestone, the Halton Police Foundation (HPF) was launched. Working with donors and community partners, the Foundation – which is the first police foundation established in Ontario – will grant funds to Halton based charitable programs that support at-risk youth and underserved individuals of all ages who need our collective help the most. Although the Foundation operates independently, it is aligned with the values and vision of Halton Regional Police Service; One Team – People First.

Chief of the Halton Regional Police Service, Stephen J. Tanner, said: “Over the last five decades, our officers have responded to every type of emergency call imaginable, and in those moments, have witnessed firsthand the common circumstances that can lead people into unhealthy and unproductive cycles.

“Halton is home to countless support services that address many of the underlying challenges people are facing. By granting funds to these exceptional organizations, the Halton Police Foundation will not only achieve its primary goal of helping to ensure that at-risk youth and adults across the region have equal opportunities to thrive, but over time, we hope to see a noticeable difference in the number and types of emergency calls our police service receives and responds to.”

George Limberis, Chair of the Halton Police Foundation, said: “We are immensely proud to partner with the Halton Regional Police Service and grateful for the support of Chief Tanner and the Police Service Board. Our mission is two-fold. We will help at-risk youth unlock aspiration and potential so they can become strong and productive community members, and we will assist the most underserved people in Halton by helping to remove barriers and provide access to the supports they need to grow and prosper.”

Limberis added, “In addition to building trusted partnerships with like-minded organizations, we are thrilled to partner with community-centric donors who share our passion of making a positive impact across the region.”

He continued, “In that regard, today, we are thrilled to announce that HPF is in the process of receiving a philanthropic gift of $730,000. This gift is made possible through the generosity of Mr. Keith Strong and the Halton Heroes Committee. On behalf of all of us, we extend our most heartfelt gratitude.”

This milestone gift will aid the highest priority needs of members of the Halton Regional Police Service, and their families, who have been injured or have lost their lives in the line of duty. Although thankfully such situations are rare, if such a devastating situation does occur, this gift ensures that HPF is ready and prepared to respond.

“Since 2012, the Halton Heroes Fund has grown into a remarkable force for good and we sincerely thank the Burlington Community Foundation for stewarding it over the past 13 years. The Halton Police Foundation is now the rightful home of the fund, and we are confident that they will continue to manage it wisely and responsibly.", shares Mr. Strong.

For more information and to get involved, please visit www.haltonpolicefoundation.com.

 

ABOUT HALTON REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE:
The HRPS is the ninth largest police service in Ontario, proudly providing frontline and investigative support to more than 672,000 area residents. Our jurisdiction is the fastest-growing region in the GTA and is expected to reach a population of 897,000 by 2031.

ABOUT HALTON POLICE FOUNDATION:
The Halton Police Foundation is a registered, non-profit organization, committed to supporting at-risk youth and our most underserved community members. Fueled by the generosity of our donors and partners, we provide charitable grants that make a positive impact across the region.  CRA#713200277 RR 0001.


Media inquiries:
Halton Police Foundation | Colleen Mulholland, Interim Executive Director
ED@haltonpolicefoundation.ca

Halton Regional Police Service | Corporate Communications
CorpComm@haltonpolice.ca

Mr. George Limberis, Chair of the Halton Police Foundation, Stephen J. Tanner, Chief of the Halton Regional Police Service, and Mr. Keith Strong, Community Philanthropist.

Pictured  above from left to right: Mr. George Limberis, Chair of the Halton Police Foundation, Stephen J. Tanner, Chief of the Halton Regional Police Service, and Mr. Keith Strong, Community Philanthropist.