Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Day held Aug. 17

August 21, 2024

By Michael Riley

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Kids from Bancroft and the surrounding areas got to go fishing with police officers from the Bancroft Ontario Provincial Police at the Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Day on Aug. 17 at Paudash Marina in Highlands East. Bancroft OPP Constable Travis Ascott comments on this fun day of fishing with the police for kids and their families. Around 26 kids and their families partook in this fun day of fishing with the police.
Ascott sent out a press release on Aug. 2 about the Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Day on Aug. 17. Sponsored by Canadian Tire Bancroft, Mack Attack Outdoors, MAD Outdoors, AL’s Bait and Tackle and the OPP Youth Foundation, the derby took place at Paudash Marina, located in Highlands East at 1230 McGillivray Road. It took place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children 12 years and under and their parents/guardians came by with their own fishing gear to try their luck at bringing in some fish for dinner. Fishing equipment and prizes donated by local businesses were awarded, and those with boats were also able to fish the event, but needed to register at the marina by 10 a.m. There was also a delicious hamburger and hot dog lunch provided to the attendees.
The Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation supported the event and it’s a not-for-profit organization that promotes and protects recreational fishing for all Canadians. Canadian Tire also made a generous financial contribution.
Fishing Forever is a not-for-profit conservation organization created by Bob Izumi’s Real Fishing in 2000 to fund worthwhile fishing, conservation and education projects. Anglers raise funds to preserve and ensure sustainable fish populations for the future. As part of that initiative, Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Days were introduced 21 years ago to help parents and other adults establish productive and healthy relationships with children. Over that time, over 100,000 kids have experienced the joy of fishing through Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Days and over 70 other events. To find out more about Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Days, go to www.kidsandcops.ca, www.facebook.com/KidsCopsCanadianTire, or contact Donna at events@kidsandcops.ca, or 1-877-822-8881.
On the day of the fishing event, dark clouds held back imminent showers, but the rain held off to allow the kids and their families to enjoy some fishing time. Ascott told Bancroft This Week that they had 26 kids and their families there fishing, but it could be more.
“For a crappy weather day, it’s a good turnout,” he says.
Lindsay, Edie, Henry and Anderson have been on Paudash Lake for six years, but this was their first time attending the event.
“We’re having a great time. It’s nice to have the opportunity to come down and do this. It’s nice meeting some of the police here and having the kids have some connection with them,” she says.
Tabitha Stevens and her daughter Peyton Easton were there fishing.
“It’s good. We’ve caught quite a few fish; some sunfish and a couple of bass, but we threw them all back in,” she says.
Becky, Tim, Jackson, Carly and Danica heard about the fishing derby on Facebook.
“It’s great. We thought we’d come give it a try and [the kids] are doing awesome,” she says.
Ashley was there with her sons Parker and Oakley and thought the event was great.
“It’s nice to have the kids at an event that is so kids focused,” she says.
Coming all the way from Fenelon Falls to attend the fishing derby, Lindsay was there with her kids Henry and Grant.
“We’re having a great time. We’ve got the number one fisherman here [pointing to Henry]. He loves to fish,” she says.
Off at the end of one of the docks, Carmen and Karrissa and their kids Cole and Violet were putting their lures on their fishing rods to catch some more fish. Carmen said it was so much fun.
“The kids have caught five or six [fish] between the two of them. I’m glad the weather held out for us, which is nice,” he says.
Greg Maxwell, an auxiliary police officer for a quarter century and Limerick Township’s fire chief, was manning the barbecue, cooking up a veritable feast of burgers and hot dogs for the kids and their families.
“It’s good. I used to do it at the other marina as I’ve been in the auxiliary for 25 years. We haven’t done it for about five years so it’s great to see the kids having fun,” he says. “I love this day because it’s for the kids and it builds a good relationship with them and the police.”