JDF REGIONAL PARK WATCH SOCIETY P.O. Box 511, Sooke BC, V9Z 1H5 Phone: 250 208-4738

Park Watch kicks off safety fund-raising drive

Park Watch Patrollers are getting ready for the ninth consecutive season of providing much-needed security in our region’s parks and supplying many thousands of park visitors with a wide range of local information.

The unique, summer-long Park Watch Program, operated by the non-profit JDF Regional Park Watch Society, is pleased to announce the start of its 2009 fund-raising campaign to support their important park security patrols.

From May to September, trained Park Watch Patrollers are on duty at many regional parks including Matheson Lake in Metchosin, East Sooke Park, Sooke Potholes, French Beach, China Beach, and Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew.

The program’s prime focus is the prevention of vehicle theft, break-ins and vandalism in the parking lots, while offering park visitors and local residents an added level of safety, security and peace of mind, as they enjoy the spectacular beauty of our parks and environment.

“Since its inception in 2001, there have been NO reports of vehicle break-ins or vandalism while Patrollers are on duty… and I think the Park Watch Program is to be greatly commended for this significant achievement.” says program co-ordinator, Marie Mills.

The knowledgeable Patrollers also update visitors on the latest park safety, deal with park emergencies, offer assistance and provide information about local history, wildlife, activities, businesses, things to do and places to go. They also distribute brochures containing important safety tips, local facts, community events and business info to every park visitor.

Essential financial support for the Park Watch Program comes from core government sources and private industry, on-site donations from park visitors, and advertising proceeds in our Annual Park Watch Brochure. The more funding received, the more Park Watch Patrols can be maintained and even expanded throughout the region.

“When businesses and organizations support Park Watch, they help to preserve our area’s reputation with trouble-free parks, which, in turn, increases local tourism and business activity… and helps to boost the region’s economy,” says Mills.
Due to increasing use of area parks by both local residents and tourists, this year 25,000 Park Watch Brochures will be printed and distributed by Patrollers (up from 20,000 last year).

Ad sales in this very popular brochure will begin this week, with reduced rates for display ads, sponsor listings and community event listings. As space is limited, advertisers are urged to book ads as soon as possible! To advertise, contact 250-642-7344 (Blue Moon Graphics) or email gaynorg@shaw.ca.

Park Watch is always looking for new ways to raise funds for the very important role it plays. As a registered charity, income tax receipts are issued for all donations received.

For more information about the Park Watch Program, visit our website at www.parkwatch.ca.
To contact Park Watch or to donate, please email Marie Mills at parkwatch@telus.net, or write to JDF Regional Park Watch Society, Box 511, Sooke, BC V9Z 1H5