First responders in the Alberni Valley received a special tool for their toolbox last December from the central Vancouver Island Crimestoppers: a box full of teddy bears.
Dubbed "trauma bears," the stuffies are items that can be used by police officers when they come across people who have been victims of crime. "It's a token that the RCMP can use to keep kids calm during a trauma incident," said Brian Cornborough, president of the central Island Crimestoppers.
Crimestoppers teamed up with Nanaimo RCMP to fund 720 trauma bears, worth about $6,000, which have been distributed to several RCMP detachments on the Island. Cornborough stopped in Port Alberni to donate a box of the bears.
In addition to Nanaimo the Central Vancouver Island Crimestoppers covers Tofino to Shawnigan Lake. Cornborough visited some of the outlying communities to bring them trauma bears as well. "There's 180 that are going to the small detachments and the other 500 and something are staying in Nanaimo," he said.
The idea behind the bears is that officers carry then in their vehicles and have them readily available. "They're excellent to have," said RCMP Cpl. Jordan Hamlyn, who has used trauma bears in the past and sees the benefits. "From a frontline perspective it's a way for us to provide comfort to children who have gone through something traumatic."
Tamara Cocco, manager of Victim Services for Port Alberni and the West Coast, said the trauma bears are appreciated. "It's helpful when trying to provide comfort and support to people...to help break down barriers when you're having a discussion about things that are scary."
The Port Alberni RCMP department received 25 of the bears, Cornborough said. Crimestoppers would like to expand the trauma bear program and members are hoping businesses will step up to assist financially. Cornborough would like to set up a fundraising event in the Alberni Valley to raise money and replenish the supply of bears.
