Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW) has earned international acclaim at the 38th annual Crime Stoppers International Conference in Panama City, Panama earlier this month.
The awards, all in the Under 300,000 Population Category, were for Best Special Report or Feature in partnership with Wightman TV of Clifford, Best Website, and Online Excellence. David Forster, president of the Canadian Association of Crime Stoppers, was on hand to receive the awards and presented them to CSGW on October 24.
“Guelph Wellington’s Media Awards were judged by an independent team from submissions from 26 countries around the world. Each nomination was critiqued based on a specific set of criteria and compared with similar population groups worldwide,” said Forster. “I also believe that when you win an award you represent Guelph and Wellington County, Ontario and Canada and elevate the accomplishments to a world-wide platform.”
The submission for Best Special Report or Feature was a two-part program called There is No Victimless Crime taped in early 2016. The concept was dealing with victimization and how Crime Stoppers can be used to reduce and resolve crime, thereby helping victims and potentially preventing new ones. The episodes featured input from Wellington County OPP Inspector Scott Lawson, Wellington North Fire Chief Dave Guilbault, former Wellington County Warden George Bridge, State Farm agent Deryck West and Victim Services Wellington Executive Coordinator Elizabeth Kent. It was produced by Wightman TV of Clifford and aired on their community channel.
The CSGW Website, which was relaunched in October 2016 after a thorough redesign, was also recognized by the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers (OACS) with an award at the June conference. Developed in cooperation with Quantum Slice out of Puslinch, the site can be viewed at www.csgw.tips, and features user-friendly interaction. It is the primary communication tool for CSGW and is also one of the two ways the public can provide tip information, other than the toll-free number of 1-800-222-TIPS.
Online Excellence references the social media presence of CSGW, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. This is used by the program to generate awareness and share information on fundraising events. CSGW was also recognized in this category by OACS.
“It is exciting to learn that the work we are doing in Guelph and Wellington is being recognized at the global level,” said Sarah Bowers-Peter, Program Coordinator. “It affirms for residents of our communities that our program is among the best in the world for connecting with the public and resolving crime.”
This marks the first time in the 29-year history of CSGW that it has been recognized at the international level.
