Mission and Goals
The Victim Assistance Volunteer Program (V.A.V.P.) Burlington is a Community Based Volunteer Service that assists the Burlington Ontario Provincial Police. The V.A.V.P. provides short-term emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime and road trauma, which encompasses serious personal injuries and fatalities. The volunteers are specially trained individuals who help victims cope during crisis situations.
Program Goals
To lessen the trauma by traffic collisions upon their victims or loved ones who must face and cope with death, permanent disfigurement, or the impairment of mental or physical ability.
To promote an avenue for the community to become involved in dealing with the effects of motor vehicle collisions.
To provide joint police-community program that enhances the promotion of highway safety.
In partnership with the O.P.P., the volunteers provide coordination and assistance to victims on a 7 day / 24 hour basis.
To educate and create public awareness of the services provided by participating in seminars and conferences that promote better community understanding. to learn about what your company offers, so be sure to provide the information they need.
- In October 1995 the Burlington Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) officially started a Victim Assistance Volunteer Program. The program offered 24 hours – 7 days a week coverage to all officers and was under the supervision of Constable Laura McCutcheon.
- The first crisis call in December of 1995 entailed assisting 2 families who were involved in a traffic fatality that resulted in one death. Due to the assistance the volunteers provided to the victims’ family, donations were sent to the V.A.V.P. in lieu of flowers. As a result of those donations, a program was formulated and memorial cards were provided to funeral homes in our jurisdiction.
- Restructuring of the program occurred July 1996 resulting in the development of team leader positions and the establishment of a board of directors. Policies and procedures were designed and various contracts were put into place regarding volunteer responsibilities.
- In February 1997, liability insurance was acquired and a corporate sponsorship was established with Rogers AT&T for the use of pagers.
- Registered charitable status was received in 1997/1998. V.A.V.P. donated a bike to the OPP for Bronte Provincial Park 2000, and in 2001 donated jackets.
- In November 1999, the OPP recognized the V.A.V.P. for outstanding assistance and support of their Community Policing Services.
- In 2000, the V.A.V.P. conducted our first annual event –“Angels N’ Motion Fun Run” –a 5k/10k fun run with a 5k walk. This event continues to provide annual funding for the operation of the program.
- October 2001 the first annual Volunteer Recognition Award was handed out.
- Consecutively (2002 / 2003) the program was awarded “Care for the Caregiver Bursary” by Smith Funeral Homes.
- April 2004, V.A.V.P. celebrated the 5th year “Angels N’ Motion Run/Walk” event.
- Summer 2004 V.A.V.P. officially launches website – www.vavp.ca.
- April 2009, V.A.V.P. celebrated the 10th annual Angels N’ Motion Run/Walk” event
- March 2010, V.A.V.P. – 6 volunteers receive pins – Ministry Awards, for Community Service
- July 2012, V.A.V.P - launch of new revised website.
- March 2013, V.A.V.P. – 2 volunteers received pins – Ministry Volunteer Awards for Community Service
- September 2015 – Angels N’ Motion Fun Run – first Policing College Challenge
Board of Directors
Terri Von-Zuben-Simone Executive Director
Lisa Smith Executive Director
Cora Hurwich President
Heather Kuzyk Events / Secretary
Phil Watkins Treasurer
Organizational Chart
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
VICTIM ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
PROGRAM COORDINATOR