Submitted by: Ron Gignac, Métis Nation of Ontario veteran

Belleville Police Association Kids Fishing Derby_Ron Gignac
Belleville Deputy Chief of Police and MNO veteran Ron
Gignac (left) helps a child measure a fish along with Special
Constable Mark Chapelle (right). Click here to view a
larger version.

On June 11, 2016, Belleville Deputy Chief of Police and MNO veteran Ron Gignac took part in the 2016 Belleville Police Association Kids Fishing Derby. The event took place in Victoria Park and included a free lunch and several prizes. The first 400 kids who registered also received a free shirt.

This year’s derby was very successful and included a great turn-out of kids, parents, grandparents and guardians. Many of the service volunteers at the derby included police auxiliary, CP volunteers, special constables, family members of police officers and many more. The Ministry of Natural Resources had a great display set up as did the Belleville fire service.

The highlight of day for Belleville police officers and kids was definitely fishing! For many of the children, this was their first time ever catching a fish. The fish that were caught during the derby were released back into the water. Deputy Chief Gignac said that “the excitement on the young people’s faces during this event was truly inspiring.”

The derby would not have been such a success had it not been for the Belleville community business sector and private donors who funded the event and contributed prizes, food, fishing gear and so much more! Deputy Chief Gignac said “we are certainly blessed in Belleville to have such fine citizens, business owners, and community volunteers.”

Published on: July 18, 2016