The Manitoba government is providing over $95,000 from the proceeds of crime to police and community agencies in Altona, Winkler and Morden for crime prevention and safety initiatives.
“Our government is supporting police forces and local organizations through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund, making good investments in community safety throughout southern Manitoba,” said Justice Minister Cameron Friesen. “One such award to Altona Youth for Christ will allow youth an opportunity to use tools and equipment they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, teaching new skills and building healthy relationships. We commend the Altona Police Service for their partnership in allocating these funds where they can have a positive impact.”
The minister noted the Altona Police Service is receiving more than $36,000 through the Criminal Property Forfeiture (CPF) program for safety and crime prevention programs, which will include a new generator as an important backup to maintain operational continuity in extreme weather events and other power outages at the police station and Altona Civic Centre.
“Since its inception into the community of Altona, the Altona Police Service has worked alongside our Youth for Christ,” said Chief Perry Batchelor, Altona Police Service. “This expansion is only made possible through grants and donations. We thank the Manitoba government for seeing the importance of this initiative and its financial support of this project. We are also very grateful for the funding announced regarding our generator back up power to our civic centre and police station. The 50-50 cost share goes a long way in ensuring our staff safety, as well as public safety in the event of a power failure. Finally, the Regional Support Tactical Team comprised of members from the Morden, Winkler and Altona police services wish to thank the Manitoba government for funding a ballistic shield. This shield will aid in officer safety in high-risk situations. In total we have received $61,739.73 – taking money out of criminal’s hands and making good use of it in Manitoba communities.”
The minister noted the province is also providing $25,000 to support a comprehensive upgrade for Altona Youth for Christ to create a dedicated safe environment for at-risk youth to learn a valuable skillset. Funding is also going toward the specialized Maker Program, which focuses on giving kids exposure to tools, equipment and software they would otherwise not have access to, with a view to teaching them valuable skills.
“On behalf of YFC Altona, we would like to express how thankful we are to receive support for our facility and program expansion project,” said Sheridan Sawatsky, executive director, Altona Youth for Christ. “The grant of $25,000 through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund is essential in supporting vulnerable and at-risk youth in our community. A core value of YFC Altona is to ‘see the potential in every young person.’ With that core value in mind, we have undertaken this large expansion. This expansion will enable us to offer amazing opportunities to our youth. We will be able to provide a safe, encouraging space for youth to learn/practice new skills, collaborate, have a creative outlet and possibly prepare themselves for a future career. This project is only achievable through community collaboration. This is why the support of the Altona Police Service and the Province of Manitoba is so vitally important to this initiative. Thank you on behalf of YFC Altona, the entire community and the countless youth that will be impacted for many years to come.”
The Morden Police Service is receiving more than $22,000 for an alcohol-approved screening device and to continue the operation of its existing K-9 unit. The current police service dog is nearing retirement, and a new police dog and handler will continue the unit. The Winkler Police Service is receiving more than $11,000 for two alcohol-approved screening devices and surveillance equipment.
Since its inception in 2009, the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund has distributed more than $19 million back to the communities throughout the province. The criminal property forfeiture program seizes and liquidates criminal assets, and redirects funding to projects and initiatives designed to protect Manitobans and enhance public safety. The funds are provided to organizations across Manitoba whose important initiatives continue to build community, invest in youth and support victims of crime.
