RCMP Foundation Award for Excellence in Community Development Recipients:

2007 Recipients

Cpl. Raegh Ellis, Bonavista NL - Atlantic Region

Cpl. Raegh Ellis was solely responsible for establishing the first Bonavista-Trinity Minor Soccer Association in 2005. This program now reaches children as far away as Plate Cove. Cpl. Ellis approached the Town of Bonavista who donated land to develop a soccer pitch. He has also been involved in a number of other areas in his community including: member of the Crime Prevention Committee, Bonavista Chamber of Commerce, Bonavista Area Advisory Committee, Bonavista Area Youth Advisory Committee and President of the Bonavista-Trinity Minor Hockey Association. Cpl. Ellis is also a member of the Bonavista Wellness and Leisure Commission where he helped develop community initiatives such as a summer camp for children, intergenerational program for youth and seniors and a Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for life. In the words of Michele Abbott, who nominated Cpl. Ellis for the award “He has truly motivated this community to become more active. He has clearly demonstrated the by volunteering his time, one person can make a difference.”

Cpl. Paula Rogers, London ON - Central Region

Cpl. Paula Rogers has been a fixture in her community organizing numbers Racing Against Drugs events, Bike Races, Young Woman Groups in the First Nation Community. Cpl. Rogers has at least one project submitted for funding from the MPF each round.

 

 

 

 

Cst. Jonathan Saxby, Cape Dorset NU - North West Region

Everyone feels the pain when tragedy strikes in a community that is particularly close-knit. After arriving in Cape Dorset in June, 2003, RCMP Cst. Jonathan Saxby wanted to help erase the lingering memories of the citizens after, while on duty, Cst. Jurgen Seewald lost his life in a domestic violence incident.

Cst. Jonathan Saxby was instrumental in the creation of a facility that would be a happy memorial to a man he never actually met, while, at the same time benefiting the community. The development of an outdoor rink/community facility has a double purpose. When the ice is gone after the winter, the cement surface becomes a basketball court – and thereby, a 24/7 sports and activity centre.

Despite his heavy work load, Cst. Saxby worked many long hours to ensure his vision became a reality, being rewarded with the appreciation of local youth, as well as his CO's Commendation for dedication.

The Seewald Park in Cape Dorset, Nunavut helps bridge the gap between community and police, provides a locale that combats very high rates of suicide, vandalism, drug and substance abuse among the children, and, to date, is the only one of its kind in the Territory of Nunavut.

Cst. Saxby was recently transferred to Barrington, NS, where his commitment to community service will undoubtedly benefit other needy youth.

 

Cst. Marty Kooiman, Castlegar, BC - Pacific Region

Cst. Marty Kooiman is the school liaison officer for Stanley Humphries Secondary School and he has become a integral part of the school community. Throughout the past four years he has been responsible for planning, developing and delivering drug and alcohol presentations, community justice for at risk students, Project Enlightenment and the SHSS Full Potential Award which is a scholarship program aimed at helping at risk youth who could not afford to go to post secondary education. According to Wayne Naka, the principle of the school “Cst. Kooiman has done more for our students at SHSS in the past four years than I have seen accomplished in my 30 years of teaching and administering schools in BC. He has come along at the right time for us; we have a lot of students at risk and in need of assistance”.

2006 Recipients

Cst. David Reece – Pacific Region

Cst. David Reece received the award for his work with the Vancouver Navy League Cadet Corps which has helped countless youth.

 

Cpl. Mike Itwaru – North West Region

Cpl. M.P. ( Mike ) ITWARU joined the Force in 1993. He spent the first part of his career in
Nova Scotia.

In 1997 he was transferred to Cole Harbour Detachment / Halifax County Detachment. General Investigative duties, along with a term in Community Policing. In 2002 Cpl. ITWARU assumed duties involving Community Policing Relations in the communities of Cherry Brook , and East / North Preston.

In 2004 he was promoted to Corporal and transferred to Nunavut. He assumed the role of Detachment Commander for Repulse Bay Detachment. Cpl. ITWARU is actively involved with the local Cadet Corp as an instructor. Volunteering countless hours with the youth of the community. He is also, actively involved with Cops for Cancer / Diabetes Canada and the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Cst. Allen Rodgers – Central Region

 

Cst. Grant Webber – Atlantic Region

Cst. Grant Webber, Community Policing Coordinator, Liverpool, Nova Scotia was nominated for involvement in many different aspects of the community including: a member of school advisory boards, crisis intervention team- South Queens High School, Crime stoppers board of directors, D.A.R.E. coordinator, VON Advisory board, chair of Queens Co. Health board, and past president Astor Theatre Society.

2005 Recipients

Cpl. Rick McIsaac - Pacific Region

Cpl. McIsaac received his award for his good work with the Nakusp Playground project, where he was instrumental in establishing a playground in his local community.

Cpl. Sylvain Lemoyne - Northwest Region

Cpl. Lemoyne received his award for his work brining organized hockey to children up north.

Cst. Yvon Brault - Central Region

Cst. Brault received his award for his work with a women’s hockey team in Gatineau along with countless other community projects he works on.

 

Cpl. David Vautour - Atlantic Region

Cpl. Vautour received his award for establishing a Kickboxing club for the youth at risk in Woodstock New Brunswick.