Letter from Priemer Dalton McGuinty

 

 

Superintendent Jim Ramer's Speech at Inspiration 2010

Distinguished guests, Merry-Go-Round (MGR) Board Members, ladies and gentlemen, fellow members of the Toronto Police Service, but most importantly, the Boys and Girls of the Kids, Cops, and Computers program (KCC), good morning!

 

On behalf of Chief Blair and Deputy Sloly, I am delighted to be with you today in celebration of our collective achievements over this past school year. I take great pride in delivering this address to our KCC youth at what has now become the ever-improving annual Merry-Go-Round Children’s Foundation Kids, Cops and Computers Program year-end celebration.

 

Members of the Toronto Police Service and our devoted corporate-community partners have strived to improve student outcomes and bridge the technological divide over this last year by providing home computers, continued internet access, and police officer e-buddy mentorship. The program continues to inspire youth, police officers and community partners alike. KCC youth are inspired to dream and think of the possibilities.

 

This MGR program has come a long way in eleven years from its humble beginnings in 51 Division. Proudly, it has evolved into a truly remarkable and successful story of life lessons learned both inside and outside of the classroom. Simply stated, the KCC program is a wonderful example of just what can be accomplished when the community works together, in partnership supported by their Police Service. This is a classic example of community mobilization at work.

 

The 2009 – 2010 edition of the program included unprecedented levels of officer participation from across 17 Police Divisions, countless specialized units and squads from all over the City. The Service identified some 154 police officer volunteers in 2010, of which approximately 120 officers were full time dedicated e-buddy mentors to KCC youth.

 

It was with great pride that we kicked off our year at the BMO soccer extravaganza, and continued our collective enthusiasm during numerous officer/youth mentorship sessions throughout the year at the involved schools and police divisions.

 

As you know, our partnership continues to evolve in new and inspiring directions; regardless of the venue, within minutes, officers and youth who had never met each other prior to that day were quickly learning about one another, developing positive relationships and engaged in laughter.

 

The Toronto Police Service is pleased to be an ongoing partner in this rewarding endeavour and reaffirms its commitment to the KCC 2010 – 2011 program year as this unique program not only provides further opportunities to children, but it also provides an exceptional opportunity in which to build trust and understanding between the police and today’s youth.

 

Having a police officer as an e-buddy provides a young person with a positive role model who will provide guidance, encouragement and friendship to that child.

 

Police officers encourage our youth to stay in school. They acknowledge and promote the relationship between getting a good education and achieving success in life.

 

With access to a computer and the Internet, a child will continue to have the opportunity to expand his or her horizons through technology and open new and exciting doors to their future.

 

I would like to commend the men and women of the Toronto Police Service who are participating in this program and thank them for their outstanding commitment to helping our young people.

 

I would like to also thank the Merry-Go-Round Children’s Foundation Chair, Scott Paterson for his vision, MGR Board Members for their passion and conviction, our corporate and community partners for their unwavering commitment and last but not least: Clayton and his team that conduct the day-to-day activities that enable this program to help children create long-term opportunities for increased self-esteem and continued success.

 

In closing, I again congratulate all of the students here today, and commend you on your success. You have taken the first step in the long road called life. Good for you! Be proud to know your first step is the right one. You can achieve anything. I wish all of you the best of luck in whatever you choose.

 

It is now my pleasure to ask all those representing the Toronto Police Service to stand. Please join me in thanking each and every individual involved.

 

Thank you.