Perth County OPP and the Stratford Police Service (SPS) are partnering up for the first time to bring a spectacular fundraiser to Stratford.
Saturday, September 29 at 11 a.m., the forces will gather at the Army, Navy, Airforce Club on Lorne Avenue, offering various activities to raise money for pediatric cancer.
"Pediatric cancer and cancer in general is something that affects everyone, including our Perth County OPP members and their families, as well as members of the communities that we serve and where we live," said Constable Beth Hanlon, community safety officer with Perth County OPP.
She added it's a great way for the forces to give back to their communities and connect on a human level.
"I think sometimes it can be lost, the idea that police officers are people too," said Hanlon. "We experience these things like cancer in our communities and families, just like the people within the community that we serve."
Five members from the Perth County OPP and five from the SPS will be shaving their head in support and for donations. The SPS' Pipes and Drums band will play while the shaving takes place.
There will also be a by-donation barbeque and raffle, where you can buy tickets for a chance to win prizes.
Hanlon said all the prizes were donated by community businesses and some include a Nespresso machine, a KitchenAid mixer, Yeti products, golf rounds, and more.
"In addition to that, we'll have several police vehicles on display," she said. "We'll have some cruisers, a motorcycle, our K9 unit, mobile command unit, and we are expecting our OPP helicopter to make an appearance as well."
The dog will be present, visible, but not able to be pet. The officer will be there though, to ask any questions to and learn more.
If you're interested in supporting the cause but are unable to attend, donations can be made online at the Canadian Cancer Society website.
