OPP not soliciting funds for bears

Following reports of telephone calls soliciting funds for teddy bears, the Ontario Provincial Police advises the public it does not approach the public for funds for this cause.

“While many OPP officers are involved in worthy charities on their personal time, the OPP is advising the public that it does not solicit funds from members of the public for its Community Bear Program or any other OPP program,” said PEC Community Services officer Anthony Mann.

The OPP’s Community Bear Program is sponsored by Aviva Canada Inc. Through the sponsorship, Aviva Canada Inc. provides OPP officers with black and white teddy bears which OPP officers give to traumatized children they encounter when they respond to incidents such as motor vehicle collisions.

The OPP reminds people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls to solicit funds from the public.

For information on how to spot a scam and make sure you do not become a victim, please go to www.opp.ca and click on Fraud Prevention on the Resources page.

The public is also reminded that any concerns regarding aggressive or inappropriate conduct by persons attempting to solicit funds in any fashion can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by dialing 1-888-495-8801 or through their website at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/index.html.