Police officers strike a pose to raise funds for pet therapy and Special Olympics 

The Hamilton Police Male Chorus is making a pawsitive impact with a new calendar fundraiser launched October 3.

 This isn’t the first time the group has gone outside the box with funding opportunities. In 2011, they competed on a television show on Global TV against other workplace glee clubs.

 “The Chorus was known as the “Hammer Cruisers” and won the competition,” says Constable Peter Poirier, Hamilton Police. 

“We won $10,000, which was given to the Hamilton Police Service in house charity Project Concern. The Hamilton Police Service was extremely supportive of our initiative, and we are grateful for their continued support.”

 The calendar project aims to raise money for two charities, Zachary’s Paws for Healing and the Torch Run for Special Olympics, as well as funding initiatives for the Chorus.

 Zachary’s Paws For Healing offers companion visits to hospital patients and also offers a pet fostering program for patients who need care for their animal while in medical care.

 The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the largest grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics.

 Both charities were chosen in agreement by Chorus members.

 Poirier has been a member of the all-male singing group for the last decade. After seeing the group perform, he joined the group shortly after he entered the police force.

 “I was impressed with their sound and the community involvement they had,” he says. “My musical background consisted of singing in the shower and karaoke. I sang in church choirs and taught myself to play the guitar. Today, I accompany the Chorus with the guitar for some of our songs.”

 Performing in the community at various events and fundraisers, the Hamilton Police Male Chorus wanted to focus on the human aspect of policing and pairing employees with animals.

 Working with the animals, most of which are therapy dogs. While there were some scheduling conflicts, Poirier says the calendars are ready, with 3,000 copies being printed and were launched online on October 3, 2019.

 “Currently, we are just hoping to sell the ones we had printed. If there is enough interest, we will do another print run, which would certainly be a benefit for the organizations we are raising funds for,” says Poirier.

 The calendars are $20 each, and all funds will be split between the two chosen charities and the Hamilton Police Male Chorus.

 Calendars can be purchased at their online Shopify store for $20.00 with postage included. 

Visit the Hamilton Police Service website.