Cops kick off Carnival

Chris Stewart dances

Against a background of colourful costumes and pulsating music, the Toronto Police Service unveiled its float – Diversity in Motion – and costumes that will be on display in the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival parade on August 4. 

The launch took place on July 14 at Seneca College’s Newnham campus. This was the first time that the launch took place away from police headquarters.

The college’s president, David Agnew, welcomed the Service to the campus with open arms.

“We are a community, but we are very much aware that we live in a community,” said Agnew.

“The mantra that we live by, is if you want to make a life, it’s not by what you get but by what you give. That’s why community itself is one of our core values. This is an important but fun event.”

Chief Bill Blair, who once lectured at Seneca College, praised the Divisional Policing Support Unit and 33 Division unit commander S/Insp. Tony Riviere for their vision in taking the launch to the college campus.

“This is the start of two of the best weeks in the city of Toronto and we are happy to be active participants in the festivities,” he said.

Toronto Police Services Board chair Dr. Alok Mukherjee joined in the festivities that included some of this summer’s Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) students.

“Through celebrations such as this, we forge bonds of friendship and form significant partnerships,” he said.

“This is why our Board is proud to be part of this exciting and dynamic annual festival. The carnival is a celebration of the richness, vibrancy and colourfulness of the kaleidoscopic culture that characterises our city and our country today. The powerful spirit of this festival can be felt through this city and in all of our neighbourhoods.”

Denver Broncos offensive lineman Orlando Franklin, raised in Scarborough before attending the University of Miami, joined Mukherjee, Blair and Riviere in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Giving back to this community is something that I dreamed of while I was growing up in Scarborough,” Franklin said.

“This is my city and I just love to be here…I also enjoy working with the police.”

Franklin’s new teammate, Philip Blake, St. Louis Blues right winger Chris Stewart and San Jose Sharks centre Daniel Winnik also attended the launch.

Funds raised from a charity barbecue that followed the launch will be presented to Women’s College Hospital.

Source:  http://goo.gl/1ZzRv