The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP do more than just protect and serve, they also aim to bring community together as they celebrate their second annual Community Safety Expo at their new detachment at 6430 Ford Rd. on Sept. 20 from noon to 2 p.m.
"We are very excited to bring together many different service and safety organizations in one unique event here at the North Cowichan/Duncan detachment," said Sgt. Deborah Kelly. "Last year was a huge success that brought together our communities and highlighted the excellent partnerships we have."
This free and family friendly event will have a lot to offer. Adults will have the opportunity to explore both volunteer and career opportunities while learning
more about all the agencies that work hard to keep families safe, while kids can enjoy a mock crime scene, impairment simulation goggles,
Fire Safety House, boats, helicopters and more.
Dr. Tom Roozendaal with Warmland Dental will be donating 600 reusable cloth grab bags that will be handed out to kids upon entry to hold all of their swag and prizes. To really shake things up Coastal Community Credit Union has sponsored Canada’s only Earthquake Simulator, Motion Safe’s Quake Cottage, so attendees can get a chance to experience an earthquake.
This event will offer up more than just a taste of knowledge; Country Grocer will be sponsoring lunch for 1,500 people, while Starbucks provides hot chocolate and coffee. Parking will be available at Cowichan Commons, and there will be plenty of prizes that have been donated by local businesses such as: Bosley’s,
Burger King, Edo Japan, BC Forest Discovery Centre, BC Ferries, Hand of Man Museum, McDonalds, Dairy Queen, OJ’s, Raptor Centre, Red Arrow, Superstore, Thrifty Foods, Wall Street Clothing, White Spot, ICBC, Starbucks, Canadian Tire, and the Municipality of North Cowichan.
Why is the Community Safety Expo event important?
It gives the community members the chance to learn all about the services in the Cowichan Valley that work hard, in both paid, and volunteer capacities, to keep everyone and their families safe. It not only allows kids to be exposed to emergency services in a positive environment, but it also allows older youth and adults the opportunity to learn about potential career and volunteer opportunities.
"It provides the community as a whole an opportunity to come together to celebrate and learn about emergency services," said Kelly. "We are grateful to have the support from many of the local businesses so that this event can be offered without a cost to community members. Many prizes have been graciously donated by the community so we are able to give away door prizes. The Community Safety Expo continues to build positive relationships within our community, and fosters positive engagement with our youth."
