The Victoria Shamrocks are getting ready to hit the lacrosse box to honour and raise funds for police officers injured during last month’s bank shootout in Saanich.
This Friday at 6:45 p.m., the Shamrocks will host a special “Stronger Together” game at The Q Centre against the Coquitlam Adanacs in tribute to police across the region grappling in the aftermath of the deadly incident.
Around 11 a.m. on June 28, a police report led officers from Saanich Police, VicPD and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) to the BMO on Shelbourne Street after two armed men had entered the bank.
A gunfight between police and two suspects ensued, with the pair, twin brothers from Duncan, eventually shot dead by police as six GVERT officers rushed to hospital — three from Saanich Police and three from VicPD — suffered gunshot wounds.
A GoFundMe subsequently launched by the Saanich Police Association and Victoria City Police Union called “Stronger Together” more than doubled its $100,000 goal, raking in over $266,000 and counting from around 1,400 donors by July 19.
With increased expenses expected over the coming months, funds raised will support accommodation and transportation for the families of those in hospital, as well as any necessary modifications to officers’ homes, according to the fundraiser’s organizer.
READ MORE: Saanich officer injured in bank shooting moved out of ICU, VicPD officer released from hospital
VicPD Chief Del Manak and Saanich Police Chief Dean Duthie are set to attend the Shamrock’s upcoming game and be part of a ceremonial faceoff alongside members of both police departments, including police service dog Maverick.
“We are honoured to be invited by the Shamrocks organization to participate in this event,” said Manak, calling the outpouring of community support “overwhelming.”
“Our officers, civilian staff and volunteers are deeply inspired by this support, and we are so grateful to the Victoria Shamrocks for taking a moment to recognize the heroism and bravery of our police while we continue to keep those recovering in our thoughts,” added Duthie.
The Shamrocks are organizing two auctions to raise funds for the GoFundMe campaign, including a silent auction running until the end of the second period during Friday’s game and an online auction from Friday to Tuesday.
“We wanted to do something for the injured officers and their families with our heartfelt appreciation and deepest gratitude for their bravery and dedication to keeping our communities safe,” added Shamrocks general manager Chris Welch.
The public is also encouraged to submit short video messages of thanks to [email protected] to air during the game and be shared with local police departments.
Tickets for Friday’s game are available online here.
Ethan Morneau
