It's been a rough year for everyone, especially those in the community struggling from the financial and physical impacts of COVID-19.
That's why South Simcoe police decided to host their own internal holiday fundraiser to support local charities using the likes of their beloved furry friend from the canine unit, Police Service Dog Nitro.
Nitro is a German shepherd and has been working with South Simcoe police since 2018, alongside Const. Shawn Gwilliam.
Nitro was born in Slovakia where he was bred to be a police dog. He is trained in tracking, building and area searches, article searches, criminal apprehension, obedience, agility, handler protection, and narcotics detection.
The holiday fundraising campaign is the first of its kind and included the sale of eight-inch plush pups designed to the likeness of Nitro, with its sable brown colouring, and 'police' collar. The plush pup dons its own South Simcoe police patch on its vest and a bone-shaped tag with 'K9' and the police department's logo.
The idea for the campaign started three months ago as a way to lift the spirits of the police service while contributing to a good cause. After receiving positive feedback from its members, the first order of 200 plush toys was placed from a toy manufacturer in California.
"The pups put a smile on everyone's face, so it was a win-win initiative. Our members were happy to purchase the toy Nitro pups while helping others who are less fortunate," said Police Chief Andrew Fletcher.
Each plush had a price of $20 and sold out right away.
"We never knew how well it was going to take off," said Fletcher, adding the police service is looking at how it can share the puppy love with Nitro fans in the community in the future, with plans for another order in 2021.
Stay tuned for more info in the new year.
The police service is still deciding on where the money from the first order of plush toys will go, but are plan to share it between the Bradford and Innisfil communities the department covers.
