KJ Mullins-Toronto: Tuesday was a beautiful day in Toronto. Taking a chance to enjoy the sunshine were the kids from Harbourfront Community Centre’s day camp and some lucky officers from 14 Division.

The groups met at Little Norway Park to play some soccer together before the day camp ended for the summer. 14 Division has spent several days with both the children and the youth that go to Harbourfront Community Centre this summer in an effort to break down barriers in the community.

The kids and the cops have shared a BBQ, boat ride, graffiti art time and just fun play time together. The activities are a start of building a relationship between local police officers and the kids that they serve to protect in the community. By taking the time to get to know one another when trouble comes around that bond can make a difference. Kids who have a relationship with the police are less likely to join in criminal activities as they get older.

14 Division’s S/Sgt. Darren Halman has been very vocal about wanting to make a difference in his community. If you would like to have events like the one that happened today contact your local Division’s community outreach officer. They will work with you and your group to plan events that bring the community together.