The Central North Correctional Centre’s Institutional Crisis Intervention Team from the super jail in Penetanguishene presented North Simcoe Victim Services (NSVS) with a cheque for $500 on Friday.
“This means a lot. I have no words,” said Kim Kneeshaw, executive director of NSVS.
Each year, the organization provides assistance for victims of crime, tragic circumstance, or disaster, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It is a community-based charitable organization with specially trained volunteers whose goals are to help with a victim’s immediate needs and provide referrals to existing community services if longer-term care is required.
A longtime volunteer for NSVS and member of the Central North Correctional Centre’s Institutional Crisis Intervention Team, Justin — whose last name cannot be shared due to correctional safety rules — was in attendance for Friday’s cheque presentation.
“I have personally volunteered with these amazing folks here for well over 10 years, and Kim and her team have done an amazing job,” he said.
Every year, the team picks a new charity to donate to, and this year the idea was brought forward for NSVS.
“We usually pick food banks or charities close to the jail, but this year we decided to reach out and go in a different direction than usual,” explained Justin.
The donation will go a long way for North Simcoe Victim Services, whose expenses such as cellphones, necessities, and emergency items rose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During COVID, the need for crucial services increased drastically, and so this donation will go a long way in helping multiple families,” said Kneeshaw.
The donation comes at a time of increased calls, increased resources, and when more family gatherings will be happening.
“Around the holidays, a lot more incidents of family violence and calls will increase, and so, again, this donation will be put to good use, especially this time of year,” said Kneeshaw.
NSVS is accepting donations. More information about the organization can be found here.
