FROM: Corporate Communications
DATE: August 18, 2025

ONTARIO GRANT STRENGTHENS VICTIM SUPPORT IN OUR COMMUNITIES:
BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY AND INNISFIL

(INNISFIL/BRADFORD, ON) – The Ontario government is investing more than $3 million across the province to support victims and survivors of crime and tragedy. As part of this provincial commitment, South Simcoe Police Service has received $89,348.00 in grant funding through the 2024-25 Victim Support Grant (VSG) Program to strengthen community partnerships, improve victim support systems, and enhance the police service’s capacity to meet the needs of victims in our communities.

Supporting victims and survivors of crime and tragedy is a vital part of public safety. The funding will be used to maintain critical victim services for our community partners, support additional staffing, raise public awareness about available supports for victims, and expand online crime reporting tools. These initiatives will ensure victims and survivors have timely access to resources, essential services and support to reassure them that they are not alone.

The grant funding for 2024-25 will be allocated as follows:
• $17,200.00 to Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka
• $27,290.00 to Victim Services of Simcoe County (VSSC)
• $44,858.00 to the South Simcoe Police Service

“This support has come at a critical moment for Crime Stoppers of Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka, which has been a cornerstone of support for the people and communities that we have served for many years. We are deeply grateful for their belief in our mission. This contribution highlights the importance of collaboration and responsive support in times of need. It is both an honour and a testament to the shared commitment we have with our police service partners to build safe and thriving communities. Crime Stoppers of Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the South Simcoe Police Service for considering our organization in their submission; Enhancing Support for Victims in South Simcoe: Strengthening Reporting and Community Resources to the Ontario Victim Support Grant.” – Whitney Walsh, President of Crime Stoppers Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka

“In partnership with the South Simcoe Police Service, this grant funding will enable VSSC to provide more timely response to those impacted by crime or tragedy, giving them the support they need to begin their healing and recovery process faster. This grant recognizes the profound impact of victimization and affirms that every victim matters. The VSSC wishes to thank the Solicitor General and South Simcoe Police Service for their ongoing support and partnership.” –Marie McCallum, Executive Director Victim Services of Simcoe County

The South Simcoe Police Service remains committed to ensuring every victim and survivor of crime has access to compassionate, timely, and effective assistance. Thanks to the grant funding provided by the Ministry of the Solicitor General, we are able to strengthen victim support in our communities.

                     

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