The Abbotsford Police Foundation is reaching out to build stronger bonds with the community, according to its executive director.

“One of the issues we have, unfortunately, is that the foundation isn’t as well known as we would like it to be,” said Sandy Blue, executive director of the foundation.

“What we are wanting to begin working on this year is multi-year sponsorships," Blue added. "That’s the kind of program we’re interested in to help build awareness, to help the police, it will help the community, and we’re all here together to build a safer Abbotsford.”

The foundation wants to connect more with Abbotsford’s diverse communities and the organization is excited by the recent increase in volunteer interest.

“For us to be able to make those connections with communities that we otherwise do not have a lot of connections into, is very important to us,” Blue adds.

The Police Foundation has been operating since 2005 and aims to form positive and enriching relationships between the Abbotsford Police Department and the community. The foundation also fundraises for Abbotsford Police Department programs and initiatives otherwise not covered by the municipal budget, such as new training simulators, drones, off-road vehicles, and "Carl" the vintage police cruiser.

If you are curious as to what building these connections might entail and what engagements are planned for the future, listen to the full interview with Sandy Blue here: