Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW) recently earned international acclaim at the 38th annual Crime Stoppers International Conference in Panama City, Panama.
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 Oct. 24.
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 dealt with victimization and how Crime Stoppers can be used to reduce/resolve crime, helping victims and potentially preventing new ones.
The episodes feature 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, relaunched in October 2016 after a redesign, was also recognized by the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers (OACS) with an award in June. 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 fundraising information. CSGW was also recognized in this category by OACS.
