March 01, 2004

By: Christi Smith
Website: http://www.1st-in-kids.com

Kids & Cops Launched Across Province PAO Donates $100,000 to Hook Kids on Fishing Forever

Bob Izumi, chair of Fishing Forever joined forces today with the Police Association of Ontario to develop a new program that will allow youngsters from across Ontario to learn about responsible fishing while developing relationships with police in their community.

We are very excited to be teaming up with the 22,000 member police association to give young people in Ontario a chance to learn about a sport that they can enjoy for the rest of their life, said Izumi.

Fishing Forever will provide a turnkey kit that will allow communities to tailor the program to their individual needs. We will be partnering with community groups, fishing clubs and other organizations to create a really fun and educational day for kids, he added.

Bruce Miller, Administrator for the Police Association of Ontario said his association’s donation of $100,000 to Fishing Forever to develop programs is another opportunity for police to instill positive values in young people and give back to the communities where they work and live.

Fishing Forever, a non-profit organization, was created three years ago to promote conservation and environmentally responsible fishing. This is a terrific way for young people to get to know their police better and to focus their energies in a positive way. Not only does it get kids off the street and enjoying the outdoors but they also have the chance to learn more about their environment, said Miller.

The Kids & Cops programs will be piloted in several communities throughout Ontario this year and expand in the following two years as awareness and interest grows.

Peel is one of several communities where their police association is interested in hosting the program, said Bob Baltin, president of PAO and member of the Peel Regional Police Association.

The programs will involve a minimum of 100 participants and will emphasize safety, environmental education, and will promote catch and release fishing.

I already know there’s a tremendous response from police throughout Ontario who really are supportive of the opportunity to spend quality time with youth in their community, added Baltin.

About The Author:

Christi Smith is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com.  Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.