Earlier this month, Abbotsford Police Department (APD) Staff Sergeant Rick Stewart presented cheques totaling $20,235 to the Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) for the Cst John Davidson “Shine On” Legacy Fund. This fund was established earlier this year in honour of APD Constable John Davidson who was killed in the line of duty on November 6, 2017.
Recognizing Constable Davidson’s passion for youth, and his commitment to safety and community, it is not surprising to see the “Shine On” fund continue to grow. The Foundation appreciates the contributions toward this fund, ultimately supporting youth overcoming adversity. Lorna Hart, ACF Chair, noted that “Constable Davidson’s memory as a youth liaison officer is clearly honoured by this generous donation”.
The funds have been raised over the past few months through the sale of a John Davidson Memorial challenge coin which sell for $15 each. Thousands of these coins have been purchased throughout Canada and the USA. Staff Sergeant Stewart is also the Abbotsford Police Union (APU) President and much of the funds raised came from the APU, the Victoria City Police Union and The Teacher’s Store after Heidi Macdonald added her business to those behind raising funds for the scholarship and supporting the APD. Staff Sergeant Stewart commented that, “in the 26 years that I have been policing in Abbotsford, I have never seen anything like the way the community came together and supported the APD through the tragedy of losing one of our own.”
The ACF is in the third month of a matching campaign initiative to our existing fund holders where for every $2 donated, an additional $1 is donated to their fund. This donation qualifies for the match and the value of the Challenge Coin contribution will increase by an additional $10,118, bringing the total value of the donation to $30,353. This amount will be added to the capital of the Constable John Davidson “Shine On” Legacy Fund.
If you would like to purchase a coin, please contact Staff Sergeant Steward at rstewart@abbypd.ca.
