CFL.ca
Today, the 11th season of “Cops, Cats and Caring Students” was launched at Saltfleet District High School. In attendance were Police Services Board Chairman Nancy DiGregorio, Police Chief Glenn De Caire, Ron Foxcroft, Vice President Development of the McMaster Children’s Hospital and McMaster University Medical Centre Jennifer Laughton, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation Sera Filice-Armenio and Hamilton Tiger-Cats GM Bob O’Billovich will be in attendance. Also, Ticat players Dave Stala and Jason Shivers.
‘Cops and Cats’ is a partnership between the Hamilton Police Service and the Canadian Football League’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club. It involves members from both ‘teams’ playing basketball in friendly competition with local secondary schools. Student participation is an essential part of the program’s ability to raise funds since each student spectator pays $2.00 to watch a game.
During last year’s 15 game season, donations totaled $20,000.00. All proceeds were split evenly between two charities; the McMaster Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation.
“This is a great opportunity to support the hospitals while building positive relationships with the young people in our own community through the importance of sport,” said Hamilton Police Chief Glenn De Caire. “The officers and the Ticats are leaders and role models to the kids. Our Service is proud to be part of this important program in our city.”
The Cops and Cats program was initiated in 1996, but was remodeled to its current format ten years ago. Since 2001 Cops and Cats have played basketball games against local Hamilton Secondary Schools in an effort to raise money for hospital charities. This initiative has not only developed better relationships between the police and students over the years, but also raised a total of $128,000.00 for local hospitals.
