Deputy chief ready to face cold reality
The city’s deputy police chief is getting a helping hand from Wild Rock Outfitters for his night on the street.
Tim Farquharson is spending 12 hours on George and King streets on Jan. 26 to draw awareness to homelessness and raise money for local shelters.
He’ll be standing on the corner from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., collecting money for YES Youth and Family Shelter, Brock Mission and the Warming Room.
Camille Parent, CEO and founder of Peterborough Cares, initiated the event. He’s also decided to join Farquharson on the streets that night.
“We organized this thing, if we can’t be out there to support someone who’s doing it then I’d feel really guilty about that,” said Parent.
Knowing Wild Rock’s reputation for warm winter gear, Parent contacted the store’s owners to see if they would help keep Farquharson warm that night.
“Keeping people warm is what we do here,” said Scott Murison, Wild Rock co-owner.
Murison, who spend a decade mountaineering, lent the deputy chief his personal garb. The gear he’s lending out can handle up to –40 C.
A goose down parka, insulating layers made of fleece, snow pants, boots, a hat and mitts were all handed over to Farquharson Thursday at the store.
Aware that Wild Rock is a highend store, Murison said he and fellow owners want to do what they can to give back to those who need it most.
“We’d really like some of our profits and our support to help people who have less,” Murison said.
In November, Wild Rock raised just over $5,000 for YES. Later this month, the store is holding a private event where owners are aiming to raise $10,000 for the shelter.
After trying on all the winter wear, Farquharson said he felt he ready for to weather the cold.
Though he used to brave the cold when he walked a beat, it wasn’t for 12 hours straight.
“I’m not in this to lose a limb. This is about raising funds and awareness,” Farquharson said of accepting the gear.
The deputy chief said he feels fortunate for the helping hand that will help him manage a very cold night for a good cause.
“If we didn’t have those organizations ... what would the homeless do?” Farquharson said.
A number of musicians have stepped up to volunteer their time during the event, including Bobby Watson and Donna MacKay, Stan Hammond, Tammy Wilde, Rick Fines and Michael Bell.