Proceeds of crime will go toward FCSS programs

Items that have been seized by the local RCMP will now be used to help fund community programs in Airdrie.

On July 19, City council approved a motion to put the proceeds from products of crime collected by the RCMP into the annual Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) funding pool.

“This is great,” said Alderman Glenda Alexander.

“Programs run through FCSS could and should be considered preventative programs. People don’t realize these are preventative because they see the Boys and Girls Club as a fun thing for kids to do but it is keeping them off the streets. It is a great thing for the community.”

In the past, items that have been recovered by the RCMP and have not been claimed or cannot be returned to their rightful owner become the property of the City. These items, including cash, coins and jewellery, were disposed of with any funds going to general revenues.

“A lot of these various organizations contribute to a safe Airdrie so I think it is only fitting that the funds from crime go back into these programs,” said Sharon Pollyck, manager of legislative services.

FCSS includes programs such as the Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society, the Airdrie Boys and Girls Club, the Airdrie Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, North Rocky View Community Links and Volunteer Airdrie.

“The concept is to try and give back to the community,” said Clay Aragon, FCSS coordinator.

“Why not take the proceeds from crime and turn them into something positive?”

Aragon said he is not sure how much money FCSS will receive but every little bit helps.

City council and the Community Services Advisory Board will determine which FCSS organizations the funds will be distributed to each year.