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Peace Officers asking for help to make memorial a reality

“This memorial will be a place where families can remember their loved ones and where the public can thank them for their public service. ” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

Winnipeg (25 Sept. 2017) — The members of the Peace Officer Memorial Foundation Board held a press conference this morning to promote its Go Fund Me drive to raise money for a peace officer memorial in Manitoba

Go Fund Me campaign to raise remaining funds for memorials 

The memorial is 1 of 3 to be constructed at Winnipeg’s Memorial Park in honour of the Manitoba peace officers who lost their lives on the job. The other 2 memorials will pay tribute to firefighters and other workers. Each memorial is estimated to cost around $200,000.

The Peace Officer Memorial Foundation has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the remaining funds needed to make the peace officer memorial a reality.

“It’s been 13 years and we are so close to this memorial being a reality,” said Rob Belanger, President of the Peace Officer Memorial Foundation Board and MGEU/NUPGE member. “Remembering and honouring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice is our way of paying tribute to them. As Manitobans, we must show that their selflessness does not go unnoticed.” 

“Every worker should go home safe at the end of the day, but sadly that isn’t the case,” said Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President. “This memorial will be a place where families can remember their loved ones and where the public can thank them for their public service.”

48 peace officers have died on the job since 1880. The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) represents over 2,700 members with peace officer status, including conservation officers, correctional officers and sheriffs.

Annual Memorial Service on October 2

On Sunday, September 24, the 19th Annual Provincial Police and Peace Officers Memorial service will be held at the Manitoba legislature. Organized by the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police, the service honours the Police and Peace Officers who have lost their lives while serving in Manitoba. The event is open to the public to show appreciation for fallen officers.

In 1998, the Government of Canada officially proclaimed the last Sunday of September of every year as Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day. A service is held annually on Parliament Hill. This national memorial day gives Canadians an opportunity to formally express appreciation for the dedication of police and peace officers, who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe.

To make a donation to the Manitoba Peace Officers Memorial, visit www.gofundme.com/MPOMF.