SGI CANADA SUPPORTS CITIZENS ON PATROL

SGI CANADA continued its commitment to organizations that support crime prevention with a donation to the Yorkton Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP).

Deputy Premier and Regional Economic Development Minister Clay Serby presented a cheque for $6,000 on behalf of the Minister responsible for SGI Glenn Hagel.

"Supporting crime prevention is a priority for SGI CANADA," Serby said. "The Citizens on Patrol are a valuable addition to any community and we are pleased to assist this group of dedicated volunteers who are doing their part to reduce crime."

The Citizens on Patrol Program first began in the city of Yorkton in 1996. Today, Yorkton COPP has 50 patrollers in place and three patrol cars. Local RCMP supply a police radio which enables the patrollers to contact the police immediately if and when they detect an offence in progress.

On a yearly average, members of the Yorkton COPP program volunteer 4,000 hours of their time, log 45,000 kms and report 100 or more criminal incidents. The Yorkton COPP program has been instrumental in detecting and deterring crime and is now considered one of the best COPP programs in Canada.

SGI CANADA's donation of $6,000 will assist Yorkton Citizens on Patrol in alleviating costs for the program.

"We're thrilled that SGI CANADA continues to recognize the importance of groups like Citizens on Patrol," Yorkton COPP Co-ordinator Wes Rathgeber said. "With their help, residents and business owners feel safer and the RCMP gain some much-needed assistance in fighting crime."

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Kim Hambleton SGI Regina Phone: (306) 775-6907