The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP officers are set to bring the joys of fishing to children this summer at the annual Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Derby on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
Children will join local OPP officers for a morning of fishing from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon along the scenic shores of the Ottawa River at Pembroke Waterfront Park. The event is free for children 12 and under and features a catch-and-release derby with exciting giveaways and prizes for the largest fish caught in various age categories. Young participants are encouraged to bring their own rods, reels, bait, and an adult buddy. Registration will be held at Pembroke Waterfront Park on the day of the derby starting at 8:30 a.m. No pre-registration is required, and entries are capped at 100 youth.
The event is sponsored by Fishing Forever, a not-for-profit organization committed to funding valuable fishing, conservation, and education projects. Additional support comes from Canadian Tire, Dean Burchart of Royal LePage Edmonds & Associates, the Pembroke Police Service Board, OPP Youth Foundation, Ontario Provincial Police Association, Police Association of Ontario, Giant Tiger, The Wholesale Club, Pembroke Mall, Renfrew County Crime Stoppers, and Allan’s Bait and Tackle.
Bob Izumi, chair of Fishing Forever, emphasized the joy fishing brings to children. “There is nothing that puts a smile on a kid’s face faster than catching a fish,” said Izumi. “That’s why I love creating opportunities for children and families to go fishing. Fishing is one of the best ways for parents and other adults to build productive and healthy relationships with children.”
For more information about Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire, visit www.kidsandcops.ca, contact Jessica at events@kidsandcops.ca, or call 1-877-822-8881.
(Written by: Emma Butler)