Ottawa Police Teddy Bear Program

[Guest c**io**m7]

http://m.ottawasun.com/2014/01/31/beware-of-ottawa-police-teddy-bear-fraud

 

Ottawa police's teddy bears aren't looking for your money, at least not right now.

Cops say somebody has been calling around soliciting money for the Ottawa Police Teddy Bear Program.

The program is real, the campaign is a fraud.

Police say they don't do any telephone solicitation for the Teddy Bear Program -- it relies on charitable donations for funding.

For some time, most Ottawa police cruisers have been equipped with cuddly teddy bears, to be given to children for comfort during traumatic times.

Teddy bears are proven to have a calming effect by providing comfort and something tangible to hold during times of crisis. They also help forge a bond between the officer and the child as well as minimize the psychological impact of a traumatic situation by diverting the child's attention from the stress of the trauma to the comfort of the teddy bear.

Anyone who has been contacted by phone for a charitable donation is asked to contact the Ottawa police fraud section at 613-236-1222, ext. 5434.