Police Association of Ontario’s Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament raises more than $15,000 for police mental health support
Funds were given to two charities who provide vital mental health services to police association members and other first responders in Ontario and across Canada
Brampton, Ontario, June 24-27, 2024 — On Monday, members and supporters of the Police Association of Ontario (PAO) raised $15,000 as part of a lighthearted round of golf to support important organizations providing vital mental health support to police service personnel across the province. Held a few days before PTSD Awareness Day, the golf tournament is another initiative by the association to confront the stigma surrounding mental health and to ensure mental health supports and services are accessible to police personnel.
“The Police Association of Ontario’s Third Annual Golf Tournament is an opportunity to get together, play some golf and address the important topic of mental health with our members and the greater public,” said Mark Baxter, President of the Police Association of Ontario. “The unique challenges and demands our members face on the job while protecting our communities can severely impact their mental health. And together, we stand united in our commitment to support the mental health and well-being of police personnel.”
This year, the golf tournament, attended by police association members, politicians and stakeholders, was again held at Lionhead Golf Club and Conference Centre in Brampton and supported Wounded Warriors Canada and Boots on the Ground. The PAO partners with these organizations to provide vital mental health support to their members and first responders in Ontario.
“As we gather, days before PTSD Awareness Day, we recognize that our police personnel are particularly at risk. For too long, the stigma surrounding mental health has prevented members from seeking the help they need,” added Baxter. “But thanks to the tireless efforts of many who have shared their struggles, we’re starting to break down these barriers. We still have a long way to go, but each step we take brings us closer to a future where mental health is given the same priority as physical health.”
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Wounded Warriors Canada and Boots on the Ground will split the proceeds raised, thanks to the support of over 125 golfers from member associations across the province, as well as numerous sponsors, including the Labourers’ International Union of North America Local 183, Milton Lincoln Ford and Markson Law.
Wounded Warriors Canada is a national mental health service provider dedicated to trauma exposed organizations, professionals, and their families. They are focused on helping Canada’s veterans, first responders and their families feel safe, supported and understood with culturally informed services combining education, counselling, and training to support resilience and recovery from post-trauma injuries.
“Wounded Warriors Canada is grateful to be a charitable partner of the Police Association of Ontario. Our programs help address the severity of stress injury symptoms while providing safe and meaningful social connections for police officers,” said Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada. “These programs would simply not be possible without the support of organizations like the Police Association of Ontario, at a time when our services are needed more than ever before.”
Boots on the Ground is an anonymous Ontario-based helpline where first responders can talk to other first responders who have been through the same kind of experiences. They offer support to personnel whether they are retired or serving, sworn or civilian.
“The Police Association of Ontario has supported and believed in Boots on the Ground for years. This support is key in allowing us to provide anonymous 24/7 peer support to police officers and civilian members across Ontario,” said Dave McKennan, President and Founder of Boots on the Ground. “We are very grateful to be a charitable partner of this year's golf tournament and to continue to support police personnel in the province.”