Photo credit: Susie Quinn Alberni Valley News
On December 18, 2024, Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers made a stop at the RCMP Detachment in Port Alberni to drop off 25 Trauma Bears. These are the “bears” which are being dropped off to all detachments from Tofino to Shawnigan Lake and were funded by a donation from Crime Stoppers.
Pictured above are Sgt. Ryan Archer, Tamara Cocco, Manager of Victim Services in Port Alberni and the West Coast, Brian Cornborough, President of Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers, and Cpl. Jordan Hamlyn and in front is Inspector Kim Bruce, detachment commander in Port Alberni with Milo, a PADS service dog making a difference for people dealing with trauma.
Dubbed “trauma bears,” the stuffies are items that can be used by police officers when they come across people who have been victims of crime. “It’s a token that the RCMP can use to keep kids calm during a trauma incident,” said Brian Cornborough, President of the Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers.
The idea behind the bears is that officers carry them in their vehicles and have them readily available. “They’re excellent to have,” said RCMP Cpl. Jordan Hamlyn, who has used trauma bears in the past and sees the benefits. “From a frontline perspective it’s a way for us to provide comfort to children who have gone through something traumatic.”
Tamara Cocco, manager of Victim Services for Port Alberni and the West Coast, said the trauma bears are appreciated. “It’s helpful when trying to provide comfort and support to people…to help break down barriers when you’re having a discussion about things that are scary.”
The Central Vancouver Island Crimestoppers has recently expanded and now covers from Tofino to Shawnigan Lake including Salt Spring Island. Cornborough visited some of the outlying communities to bring them trauma bears as well with about 180 going to the small detachments and the other 500 staying in Nanaimo.
While it is difficult to say how long these 25 bears will last, Crimestoppers would like to expand the trauma bear program throughout their region and we are hoping businesses will step up to assist financially through fundraising events in the Alberni Valley.
With added notes from the Author: Susie Quinn, the Alberni Valley News editor