OPP and Stratford police teaming up for Cops for Cancer event

Acting deputy chief Mark Taylor of the Stratford police and Sgt. Barry Cookson of the OPP had their heads shaved by Stonetown Barber’s Jack Taylor and Scott Jackson. The pair was in St. Marys promoting a fundraising event that is taking place in Mitchell on Sept. 27.

By Wendy Lamond

On Saturday Sept. 27, the Stratford Police Service and Perth County OPP will join forces for a Cops for Cancer event.

The fundraiser is taking place at Keterson Park in Mitchell. Things get under way at 11 a.m. and will continue until 2 p.m.

Stonetown Barbers Scott Jackson and Jack Taylor will be onsite to shave the heads of members of both police services. There will also be a barbecue, raffle table and police vehicles to check out. Ken’s French Fry truck will be there.

This will be the third year for this fundraiser. Each year, the event is moved to a new community. As of press time, there will be eight members of the OPP and eight from the Stratford Police Service taking part and having their heads shaved.

All the funds raised from this event will go towards research into childhood cancer and sending 600 kids who have been diagnosed with cancer to Camp Goodtimes.

One of the team leaders, Const. Aaron Mounfield of the Stratford police, understands the importance of this fundraiser.

“As a cancer survivor, I can only imagine what children endure while receiving treatments. With your donations, we can make their cancer journey a little easier for them and their families. No child should have to suffer from cancer, so please come out, enjoy the event and donate if you can to support this great cause,” Mounfield said.

On Sept. 9, a kick-off event was held at Stonetown Barber in St. Marys to promote the fundraising event. Acting deputy chief Mark Taylor of the Stratford police and Sgt. Barry Cookson of the OPP fearlessly had their heads shaved by Jackson and Taylor.

Their goal is to raise $17,500 for this worthy cause. Donations can be made by visiting https://support.cancer.ca/site/TR/CopsforCancer/COPS_NW_even_?px=14194045&pg=personal&fr_id=30360&s_locale=en_CA.