Activities planned in Rimbey for National Victims of Crime Awareness Week to be held April 6 to 12 are geared towards enhancing education and providing more insight to the public about the importance of the Victim Services program.
On Wednesday Const. Tyler Hagel will address fraud, theft and scams at the Senior’s Drop in Centre from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
This issue is, unfortunately, often in the forefront as innocent victims are subjected to all sorts of illegal devious methods used by unscrupulous people as a way to steal money.
A free lunch will follow the presentation and credit card protection sleeves will be available.
On Thursday a young woman shares a heart wrenching personal story of addiction to crystal meth. The story will be told from a daughter and mother’s perspective and promises to provide insight to a very real problem that can happen to anyone.
Const. Jonathan Maillet of the RCMP will also present an overview on drugs in Rimbey.
This event is to be held at 7:30 p.m. at Neighborhood Place located at 4907-49th Street.
Friday is the day when parents can participate in ‘Child Find’ and have their youngsters identified with photos and fingerprints. This activity will take place at the Rimbey municipal Library and lunch will be provided.
Information about car seat safety will also be offered at that time.
Saturday, girls will have an opportunity to learn about self-defense. This program is available for all ages and will take place in the Lion’s Room (north side of the recreation centre) from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
Call 403-843-8494 to register. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes.
Patricia Jones, assistant co-ordinator for Rimbey & District Victim Services said the week is a great opportunity to increase awareness of Victim Services and she encourages the public to attend the events and activities.
Rimbey & District Victim Services act as a liaison between the RCMP and victims of crime and trauma. They provide support information and referral services to alleviate the impact of crime and tragedy on victims.
Rimbey VSU was incorporated in 2003 and is one of 119 police based victim services in Alberta.
Services are free and confidential. To contact Rimbey Victim Services call 403-843-8484. Referrals are also received from other agencies and self-referrals are accepted.
Victim Service programs handle on average 31,000 new cases in a year in Alberta. More than half of the cases involve assisting victims of violent crime.
Each year, Victim Services programs provide service to around 38,000 Albertans.
Victim Services is made possible through the volunteerism of approximately 1,640 volunteers and board members who contribute about 230,000 hours per year.
Volunteering and working with Victim Services is a way to give back to the community.