RCMP Shares Community Spirit

Gillam RCMP members are making a difference in the lives of area youth by being actively involved in a number of youth-oriented activities at Gillam, Fox Lake First Nation and Ilford/War Lake First Nation.

Working with their local community partners is key, according to Sgt. Cory Garrard. “We’re all spokes in the wheel,” says Garrard, “so we all need to be involved.”

Friday night road hockey in Gillam - For six weeks every spring and fall, local RCMP members play hockey at the Gillam rink with the local kids, an enjoyable and important activity that helps build rapport and trust.

Annual bike rodeos - Bike rodeos are held annually in Fox Lake, Ilford/War Lake and Gillam to promote bicycle safety for children Grades 1 to 6 in a fun way. The event includes hot dogs/drinks and a bike/helmet give-away, courtesy of local sponsors.

Anti-bullying project and partnership at Gillam School - Gillam RCMP Detachment has assigned a full-time liaison officer and one other member to work with the school and community to address the issue of bullying within the school and the community. Program funding is being provided by the Mounted Police Foundation and Manitoba Hydro.

DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) at Gillam School - This 17-week program for Grade 6 classes provides kids with the tools to make informed lifestyle choices.

Hockey Day in Gillam

Hockey Day in Gillam

The second annual community event to raise funds for charity was held in February. Last year, the event raised about $3000 for Haiti. This year funds raised will go to Kids Helpline and the school’s anti-bullying campaign.

The event coincided with ‘Hockey Day in Canada’ and was set up to by Cst. Jens Dubreuil, an avid hockey player/fan who really does a great job getting the town motivated for the event! We had a good turnout (six teams), considering it was really cold, about -35 with the wind chill, but thankfully, the sun was shining all day.

The local Legion supplied a warm place, hot chili, coffee, hot chocolate, laughter and camaraderie.

The final game was between "Benders" (RCMP) and Gillam Services (Hydro), with Benders winning 2-1 to take the 2011 cup from the reigning champs.

Benders: Cst. Jens Dubreuil - center (Captain), Cst. Grant Meyers - forward, Cst. Ed Desrochers - defence/forward, Cst. Andrew Briscoe - forward, Cst. Jake Newberry goaltender, Sgt. Cory Garrard - defence (Alternate Captain), M/E Ms. Corinne Balaban - Coach/Manager.