Constable Erik Luscombe and Riker. Photo submitted

Saugeen Shores Police Service (SSPS), together with a group of volunteers spearheaded by Chair Abby Bolton and Co-Chair Tim Panchyshyn, are excited to announce that the K9 Unit has returned to Saugeen Shores. In an October 2 Saugeen Shores K9 Fundraising Committee media release, Riker arrived last week and and and his handler have gone to Toronto Police to further his training.

Many of the large capital purchases needed to launch this program have been covered by a number of community businesses and members. However, the cost of training and the sustainability of the K9 and his human teammate will be an ongoing project for Saugeen Shores.

A committee of volunteers have banded together to help raise the funds needed to further the training of the SSPS K9 Unit and to support the sustainability of the program moving into the future. With the launch of a fundraising campaign, the first fundraising goal is $10,000. Anyone wishing to support this program with a charitable contribution can drop their donation off at the Town of Saugeen Shores municipal office, 600 Tomlinson Drive, clearly marked K9 Fundraising Campaign. Contributions worth $20 or more will receive a tax receipt.

On November 16 at 6 p.m. there will be a Wine and Dine for our K9 event at Lakeshore Recreation, a gala including dinner catered by Lakeshore as well as Green Door Catering, dancing to music provided by Saugeen Shores’ own 2nd Glance, and a Silent Auction.