North Okanagan Shuswap Crimestoppers is providing 200 plush bears to RCMP detachments in the North Okanagan and Shuswap to hand-out to children. (submitted photo).

By Pete McIntyre

'can have a big impact'

Crimestoppers provides ‘Trauma Bears’ to support children

Jun 9, 2024 | 10:00 AM

Children impacted by traumatic events will have a way to find some comfort, thanks to a local organization.

The North Okanagan Shuswap Crimestoppers Society purchased 200 plush bears — called Trauma Bears — that have been distributed to RCMP detachments in Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lumby, Falkland, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, and Revelstoke.

The bears, Roary and Cooper, will be put in police vehicles and are available to officers to hand out to children impacted by trauma or other significant event.

“As first responders, whether it’s at a collision, fire, or other emergency, we often interact with kids who have been exposed to some form of trauma,” Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, said.

“To give a child a plush bear might seem like a small thing, but in that moment, it’s a small thing that can have a big impact. We’re really thankful to our local Crimestoppers Society for their support.

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Julie Pilon, President of the North Okanagan Shuswap Crimestoppers Society, said this is is way to make a tangible difference.

“It’s part of Crimestoppers’ commitment to giving back and supporting youth in our community. We hope these bears can ease the difficulty of what’s happening for these children at least a little bit and provide some comfort for them,” Pilon said.

The North Okanagan Shuswap Crimestoppers services the following areas: Armstrong, Enderby, Falkland, Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Blind Bay, Sorrento, and Revelstoke.

To submit a tip to Crime Stoppers call 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online to https://nokscrimestoppers.com.