Vancouver’s Odd Squad Productions Society (OSP) is proud to announce the celebration of its 15th anniversary this year.
Odd Squad Productions Society (OSP) is an independent, non-profit organization that was founded by volunteer members of the Vancouver Police Department in 1997. Having developed a unique approach to community policing, crime prevention and public education, Odd Squad generates funding through donations and grants with the mission of “empowering youth to make positive life choices about drug use and criminal behaviour through documentaries and education”.
A prestigious Gala Fundraiser will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Thursday, June 7th at 5:00 pm . Under the leadership of Gerry Zipursky, the C.O.O. of Odd Squad, a number of prominent members of our community have rallied around the cause. Serving on the Board of Directors is Shirley Barnett, Howard Blank, Bob Golden and Mark James, with Dani Elias as Director, Web Development and new Media. There are, as well, many Jewish corporate Sponsors for this Annual fundraiser.
With disturbing statistics, such as “60% of illicit drug users are between 15 to 24 years old”, there is a critical need to be proactive and protect youth. The OSP educates young adults through film, presentations and workshops, and by providing peer mentoring support.
Over the past 15 years Odd Squad has produced/co-produced over 15 documentaries viewed by millions of people around the globe. Substance abuse and gang life ultimately touches or affects each of us in our homes or families or our community. The proceeds from the gala event enable Odd Squad to carry out its mission in educating young people to support appropriate life choice.”
Notable milestones include
Drug & Gang Awareness Educational Presentations – 375 presentations to 38,000 people; Odd Squad travels to schools and community centres in Vancouver, across the Lower Mainland, around B.C., and into the North West Territories and Nunavut.
On Track Peer Mentoring – mentoring 45 students to deliver presentations to 5,625 other students;
Hockey Mentorship Program – with 72 players from WHL teams across western Canada giving 199 presentations to Grade 7 students in twelve cities
Internet Broadcast Program – a new innovative program, which significantly broadens geographical outreach to youth. This past winter, two East Vancouver schools participated which translated to educating 650 Grade 8 & 9 students in one session.
OSP Squad Membership expansion – by 33%, to 30 Squad Members and 19 Board Members
In 2012, OSP is developing a web-episodic Vodcast Educational Series directed towards drug awareness and gang prevention, and will continue producing two educational documentaries-The Beat: Season Two and Yo-Bro: A Gang Education Story.
The Annual Gala allows Odd Squad to continue this amazing work. The evening consists of a formal sit-down dinner, Live Auction, Silent Auction, and a few hidden surprises that have yet to be revealed. All proceeds fund Odd Squad’s efforts to keep youth gang-safe and drug-free
For detailed event information or to purchase tickets, at $225 per person, or sponsor a table of 10 at $2,250, contact gala2012@odd-squad-legacy.local.
For more information on the OSP, visit www.oddsquad.com or follow the OSP team at @OddSquadProd and on Facebook.