Calgary, AB,
02
September
2015
|
07:58
America/Denver

2016 Canine Unit Calendar

Today, the Calgary Police Service Canine Unit will unveil the 2016 edition of the wildly popular CPS Canine Unit calendar. Due to overwhelming demand, the public will be able to get its paws on the 2016 charity calendar at even more locations.

Starting today, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015, the calendars are available for purchase at all 35 Calgary area Safeway stores at their customer service counters. The $10 calendar is also available for purchase online at www.calgarypolicefoundation.ca or www.calgarypolice.ca.

The 2016 calendar features dozens of photos and added details about the Service’s shaggiest members. The 13-month calendar, which features most of the unit’s 22 dogs, also features a special 13-picture poster insert than can be removed.

Nearly $100,000 has been raised through the sale of the calendars in the last two years, with proceeds going to the Calgary Police Foundation’s funded program YouthLink Calgary. YouthLink Calgary educates youth about crime and its consequences, the role of police in society, and demonstrates how sound lifestyle choices today can lead to fulfilling tomorrows.

CPS dogs attend roughly 8,000 police-related calls every year. Since 1960, the dogs have played an integral role in apprehending individuals who have committed serious criminal offenses, and locating evidence of a crime such as weapons or clothing, or for finding drugs, explosives and cadavers. Their greatest reward, however, is coming to work and helping to keep Calgary safe.

This year alone, police service dogs have responded to roughly 3,200 calls, with the dogs being deployed in more than half of those situations. Since January, at least 260 arrests can be attributed directly to the unit.

The Calgary Police Foundation (CPF) was chosen as the beneficiary of the calendar as its programs have a direct impact on children, youth and families.

The CPF was established in 2012 to partner exclusively with the CPS and fund community initiatives to reduce youth victimization and criminal activity by focusing on education, prevention and early intervention.

For a list of local Safeway locations, please visit www.safeway.ca.

Media advisory to follow