APF-FUNDED
ABBYPD COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES
Below are the 2026 APF-funded AbbyPD community programs and initiatives, with a special focus on investing in youth. These programs are designed to empower the next generation, strengthen the relationship between AbbyPD and our community, and create a safer, more connected Abbotsford. Learn more about the lasting impact we can make together through your support.
2026 APF Overview
The following document provides an overview of the 2026 Abbotsford Police Foundation (APF) grant funding recipients, highlighting the value and impact of community-supported initiatives. It showcases the meaningful ways these programs contribute to a safer Abbotsford and outlines how individuals and businesses can get involved.
Click the button below to download a digital copy of the overview.
INAUGURAL
ABBYPD YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The AbbyPD Youth Leadership Program offers high school students an exceptional opportunity to cultivate personal and team leadership skills through immersive experiences in policing, public safety, and community service. Over the course of eight days and seven nights, participants engage in dynamic, challenging activities that unlock their full potential.
Under the guidance of seasoned local police officers, students experience interactive presentations, realistic policing simulations, and invaluable lessons in social responsibility and life skills. This hands-on environment not only challenges them mentally and physically but also fosters a spirit of teamwork and personal growth.
Open to students in grades 10 through 12 from both public and private schools in the Abbotsford area, the program covers critical topics such as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, police procedures, emergency response, forensics, self-defense, and more.
Building Leadership, Confidence, and Accountability
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Leadership & Personal Growth: Participants develop essential leadership and teamwork skills, building confidence and a strong sense of accountability that will serve them throughout their lives.
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Career Exploration: The camp offers a glimpse into public safety careers, equipping youth with insights and experiences that can guide their future professional paths.
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Community Connection: By bridging the gap between law enforcement and community members, the program strengthens bonds and fosters mutual understanding within our local neighborhoods.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
Your support is key to transforming this unique program into a lasting force for positive change. With your generous support, the Abbotsford Police Foundation can continue to build police-community connections, deepen public understanding of law enforcement’s vital role, and nurture the next generation of leaders. Together, we can create a stronger, healthier, and safer Abbotsford for all.
2026 APF GRANT RECIPIENTS
ABBYPD MENTORING PROGRAM
The AbbyPD Mentoring Program is designed to make connections with young people in our community who have a strong interest in policing in our community. The program is geared for already graduated students, aged 17-22 yrs who have a passion for this community and want to set roots here for their future. A variety of lessons include: knowledge checks, physical fitness, student presentations on a variety of topics and working the class through how to be a competitive candidate while road mapping their future! Coordinator AbbyPD Constable Mary Boonstra.
MOVIE IN THE PARK
In 2026, we’ll mark our fifth year of Movie in the Park at Mill Lake—a free, family-friendly event that brings the community together. It removes financial barriers, creates a welcoming space for all, and encourages positive connections with community partners and the Abbotsford Police Dept. in a non-enforcement setting. By fostering trust and dialogue, the event strengthens partnerships and supports a safer, more connected Abbotsford. AbbyPD Social Media & Events Coordinator Alicia Pastro.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
The AbbyPD Volunteer Appreciation Night honors the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. Each year, about 120 volunteers from Community Policing and Victim Services join this event as a heartfelt thank-you for their dedication to public safety and community support. AbbyPD Social Media & Events Coordinator Alicia Pastro
CHEDDAR - VICTIM SERVICES JUSTICE FACILITY DOG
Cheddar, funded by the APF through the Victim Services Justice Facility Dog Program, provides crucial support to community members facing traumatic events. By offering a calm, non-judgmental presence, Cheddar helps reduce fear and anxiety, enabling victims—who might otherwise struggle—to provide statements or testify. In doing so, this program builds trust and fosters positive relationships between the Abbotsford Police Department and the community. Through her ongoing success, Cheddar serves as a powerful example of how APF funding and collaborative initiatives can bridge gaps and bring comfort to those in need. AbbyPD Victim Services Unit Coordinator Cassidy Baker.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM
AbbyPD Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) is committed to fostering a safe and healthy community for seniors and other vulnerable populations. Guided by our vision of Strength in Community and mission to make Abbotsford the safest city in British Columbia, CERT delivers proactive crime prevention and personal safety education. This program trains volunteers to provide accessible, practical safety talks tailored to the needs of seniors, newcomers, and individuals facing isolation, language barriers, or heightened risk of victimization. Coordinator Inspector Lydia Bown-John
ABBYPD COMMUNITY
POP-UPS
These AbbyPD community pop-up events, create meaningful opportunities for community members to engage directly with the Abbotsford Police Department in a safe, neutral environment. The pop-ups foster trust and build positive relationships across different neighbourhoods by promoting dialogue and addressing local concerns. As families and individuals meet AbbyPD members (including Reserve Constables) they learn about AbbyPD initiatives, discover ways to enhance home security, and experience community policing firsthand. Growing participation at these recurring events demonstrates how APF support helps effectively connect police and residents citywide. AbbyPD Social Media & Events Coordinator Alicia Pastro.
PURPLE LIGHTS NIGHTS RUGBY & FOOTBALL INITIATIVE
This initiative raises awareness of intimate partner violence by engaging ARFC (Abbotsford Rugby & Football Club) games, promoting support services, encouraging police reporting, and guiding victims through the court process. At the games players wear purple jerseys to spark conversations and support for the PLN initiative among teams, families, and fans. Coordinator Sue Shaw
BC LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL RIDE TO REMEMBER
The BC Law Enforcement Ride to Remember began as a tribute to Canadian police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities. On September 24, 1998, the Government of Canada declared the last Sunday of September as Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day, honouring more than 860 fallen members. By raising awareness of the annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Service, the ride ensures their bravery is never forgotten. Cst. John Davidson of Abbotsford is among those remembered during this powerful tribute. Coordinator Corporal Renae Hansen.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The AbbyPD's Youth Leadership Program offers high school students a chance to develop leadership skills through the lens of policing, public safety, and community service. Over eight days, participants engage in interactive activities and simulated policing scenarios led by experienced officers to build teamwork, social responsibility, and life skills. Open to students in grades 10–12 from Abbotsford’s public and private schools, the program provides a challenging and supportive environment for personal growth. Coordinator Inspector Crystal Jack
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
TRAILER
The AbbyPD Strategic Communications and Public Engagement Team has submitted a 2026 grant application to APF for a specialized 26-foot trailer designed to support community engagement and critical incident response. This custom-built unit will feature an indoor community space, a concession area for serving light refreshments during deployments, and a dedicated storage section for operational supplies. The trailer is expected to be deployed at more than 130 community outreach events annually and positioned within neighborhoods following critical incidents. The estimated cost of the project is $137,000, which will be fully funded through charitable contributions from the community. Strategic Communications & Public Engagement Sergeant Paul Walker
POLICE RETIREMENT
DOGS
IN PROGRESS
PURPLE LIGHTS NIGHTS CAMPAIGN
The Purple Lights Nights campaign raises awareness of intimate partner violence (IPV) by honouring victims, supporting survivors, and offering hope to those still at risk. Since its launch, the campaign has expanded beyond Abbotsford, inspiring police departments and local partners in Mission, Chilliwack, and Vancouver. Continued APF funding helps maintain supplies, engage more businesses, and draw increased community participation each year. By illuminating public spaces and promoting education, Purple Lights Nights fosters unity, provides crucial resources, and encourages healthy relationships for families still affected by IPV. AbbyPD Victim Services Unit Coordinator Sue Shaw.
ABBYPD THUNDERBIRD HOCKY TEAM
AbbyPD Thunderbird Hockey Team is an inclusive group open to all members, regardless of skill level, promoting mental wellness, fitness, camaraderie, and community connection through year-round ice hockey. This team has been a part of Abbotsford Police Dept. for over 40 years and continues to thrive. Recently, they participated in the 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges hockey game in partnership with the Abbotsford Canucks. Coordinator Constable Aaron Courtney
ABBYPD
WALL OF LANTERNS
The Wall of Lanterns event is a unique initiative that strengthens the bond between AbbyPD and the community by fostering open conversations and meaningful connections. Hosted by the police, this event provides a space for reflection, remembrance, and unity, highlighting the importance of community support and dialogue. As a one-of-a-kind initiative among police departments, the event continues to grow each year, bringing people together through shared experiences and new traditions. AbbyPD Social Media & Events Coordinator Alicia Pastro.