K9 Heroes calendar to support programs for vulnerable youth
Calgary’s police dogs are again starring in their own calendar — the seventh annual K9 Heroes 2020 calendar, revealed Monday.
The 13-month calendars, featuring shots of the city’s furriest police officers in action, can be purchased at Sobeys and Safeway stores around the city, or ordered online. All proceeds assist the Calgary Police Foundation (CPF) in funding programs that help youth avoid crime and victimization.
“We know that Calgarians care deeply about the idea of building a safer city, healthier community, and this campaign is one way of many that you can get involved,” said Mark Neufeld, police chief.
Canine Unit Sgt. Jim Gourley said the calendar launch is something the whole team looks forward to, so they can show off their partners with paws.
“We put a lot of time and effort into making this calendar. It is extremely difficult to have a photo shoot with a dog that has such high drive,” said Gourley.
“The dogs are the ones who go into dangerous areas and make our job safer. They are truly heroes, these four-legged members of the police service.”
The CPF funds six programs that affect thousands of children in the city, including Youthlink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre, Integrated School Support Program, Multi Agency School Support Team, Youth at Risk Development Program, Calgary Police Cadet Corps and Power Play, a drop-in sports program.
Through the programs, children and youth have access to supports needed to thrive physically, emotionally and socially.