OPP Association Supports The OPP Pathway of Memories as 105 New Stones Added in 2021
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the OPP Youth Foundation recognized this year’s Pathway of Memories recipients who had an inscribed memory stone dedicated in their honour, as well as those who donated a stone at a ceremony attended by a number of honourees and their families and friends on September 14, 2021.
“The Pathway of Memories is an excellent way to honour our OPP members, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to community service. It is fitting that all proceeds from this initiative is donated to the OPP Youth Foundation, who do tremendous work to ensure the success of our youth for future generations of service. Thank you to each and every person who attended today and support this project in one way or another to celebrate the service of our members. I encourage anyone interested in honouring a member to reach out to the organziers and help continue our legacy of service together.” said OPP Association President Rob Stinson, who was among the attendees at the event.
The Pathway of Memories pays tribute to current and former OPP members and teams and their families as well as organizations that have contributed to the rich history of the OPP in some way. Recipients are honoured through engraved memory stones which are inlaid into the path – a distinguished outdoor feature at the OPP General Headquarters in Orillia.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique and OPP Youth Foundation Chair Dave Lee addressed dignitaries, memory stone recipients, their donors and other supporters at the Pathway at Memories Dedication Ceremony. Carrique and Lee acknowledged and thanked those whose donations and contributions go a long way to help young persons in communities served by the OPP.
The memory stone donation funds allow the OPP Youth Foundation to support OPP members who dedicate their time to provide meaningful opportunities for Ontario youth, such as OPP youth camps and bursaries.
“There has never been a more important time to provide opportunities to the youth in our communities. The OPP is grateful to the OPP Youth Foundation for their exceptional volunteer work and ongoing dedication to enriching the lives of youth in communities throughout Ontario,” said Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
“The Pathway of Memories not only supports disadvantaged youth, but has established a tangible legacy that will continue to grow in support of the OPP Youth Foundation. I am proud of the many Foundation volunteers, OPP members and other supporters who remain focused on helping our youth and contribute towards making Ontario a better place,” said Dave Lee, Chair of the OPP Youth Foundation.
A total of 105 memory stones have been donated this year, bringing the number of stones in the Pathway of Memories to 426. The first inscribed Pathway of Memory stones were unveiled on April 20, 2017.
The Pathway of Memories is open for public viewing on the terrace of the front lawn at GHQ, located at 777 Memorial Avenue, Ontario. Click on the OPP Youth Foundation website for info on how to buy a stone and/or make a donation: OPPYouthFoundation.ca/PathwayOfMemories
Dave Osborne is the Project Lead of the Pathway of Memories. Dave can be contacted by phone for further information: (705) 323-3598.
Click on the OPP Youth Foundation website for info on how to buy a stone and/or make a donation: OPPYouthFoundation.ca/PathwayOfMemories