By Francine Buchner

The Toronto Police Service held Caribbean Carnival Toronto Kick-off and Child Safety Event 2012, at Seneca College’s Newnham Campus last Saturday.

“It is our objective that the relationship and trust built on the day of the event with the public will carry forward to their daily lives and their interactions within the community,” said the Police Services.

NFL Football player, Orlando Franklin of the Denver Broncos, National Football League (NFL) in collaboration with the Toronto Police Services, 33 Division and the Divisional Policing Support Unit hosted the interactive one-day of bouncy castles, lessons on road safety, music, dancing, raffles and a B.B.Q.

Also in attendance were Philip Blake of the Denver Broncos, Daniel Winnik of the San Jose Sharks, National Hockey League (NHL) and Chris Stewart of the St Louis Blues, NHL.

Approximately 450 young people attended the free event and those aged 11 and under were encouraged to bring their bicycles/tricycles with them to learn about road safety, including understanding road signs and participating in a bike rodeo.

The theme this year is ‘Caring for Community, Strengthening Community Ties’ and some of the proceeds raised will be shared with four charity organisations: the Children’s Breakfast Club, the Caribbean Children’s Foundation, Prostate Cancer and the Sickle Cell Association of Toronto.

“The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Festival contributes over $400million to the city. The Police Services plays an important part in the planning of the Carnival and they participate in the activities,” said Chris Alexander, chief financial officer, Festival Management Committee (FMC).

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate with the people of Toronto,” said the chief of police, Bill Blair and when asked about the safety factor, in light of the recent shooting in the downtown Toronto Eaton Centre, Blair said, “Don’t worry about the safety, we’ll take care of that.”