The importance of community engagement, socialization, and giving back has gained the recognition it deserves in the past two years. On a global scale, the world has endured the dismal consequences of isolation. Out of this isolation, society grew a more profound appreciation for togetherness and beneficence. There are endless opportunities to share our time, compassion, and empathy with others. And it is crucial we do so in pursuit of revitalizing the health of our society as we continue to strive towards rising above and beyond the pandemic. Volunteering has been one of the highlights of my own personal pandemic: knowing that I have the opportunity to make someone else’s day better, safer, or simply provide support is a gift that needs no reciprocation.
At the beginning of the pandemic, I began volunteering with Halton Crime Stoppers. I love their focus on community safety. Community safety is a key feature that helps to define neighbourhoods and is a topic that everyone reflects on when contemplating where they’d like to live. A safe community requires the collaboration of various networks to work together in managing fears, increasing awareness of possible risks, and promoting ways to stay safe. Here in our local community, we have a strong network of organizations that contribute to the protection of our neighbourhoods, including the media, the Halton Regional Police, and Halton Crime Stoppers.
Halton Crime Stoppers is an independent charitable organization that focuses on safety and awareness issues by networking with the Halton Regional Police Service. An accessible tip line is available to all residents of the community that allows anonymous reporting of crime. Worldwide, Crime Stoppers offers over 1,700 programs. The very first Crime Stoppers location in Canada was created in Hamilton in 1983. Many other regions witnessed the positive association between receiving tips and increased solving of crimes, leading to Crime Stoppers expanding into surrounding areas; Halton instated its own Crime Stoppers non-profit organization in 1988.
The organization plans and facilitates various events throughout the year, such as fundraisers, safety and awareness programs, and educational functions. Crime Stoppers relies on the efforts of volunteers and a board of directors to coordinate and support these activities. Raising awareness about Crime Stoppers itself is important because the organization bridges the gap between citizens and law enforcement. Ultimately, citizens see and hear things that police can’t — and these things can safely be reported to Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers is the voice of community safety and crime prevention. Hundreds of tips are received every month and each one is investigated. If the tip effectually leads to an arrest, the “tipster” is granted an award. You are able to call 1-800-222-TIPS from anywhere in Canada with secure anonymity.
In a recent interview with the Crime Stoppers of Halton’s Executive Director Colin Jessome, he explained that Crime Stoppers plays a vital role in community safety because the anonymous tip line allows people to share information even if they don’t want to go to court or be identified. It provides the unique opportunity for people to be involved at arm’s length. Crime Stoppers takes pride in their safety initiatives and focus on awareness programs in schools and for older adults, educating Halton residents on current frauds, scams, addiction, security against theft, human trafficking, and more. Jessome leaves us with his personal advice on practicing community safety: “It requires engaged residents who take pride in where they live. If you hear, see, or know something that doesn’t seem right, call Crime Stoppers. Even if you were in doubt, make the call, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
As a volunteer for Crime Stoppers, my role involves continuous engagement online with the organization’s social media accounts, which offer consistent updates about community events and safety issues. In addition, other opportunities to participate in-person include many local events throughout the year, such as the shred event fundraiser, flyer distribution, donations, educational seminars, and more. Being a part of this team is an uplifting experience that allows us to share and breed our compassion with one another. If after reading this article you are feeling inspired to get involved, there are three different ways to dedicate your time or support: submit tips, volunteer, and/or donate. In order to keep this program running strong, it requires contributions from volunteers and funding in order to pay rewards and deliver programs. Consider your privileges of living in a safe place, and share your gratitude by actively engaging with these resources whose purpose is to protect us.
