BENNINGTON, Vt. — The Police Department raised $2,850 for the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center during its cancer awareness fundraiser. 

 

"We are happy to provide these funds for equipment and supplies at the Cancer Center," Police Chief Paul Doucette said last Wednesday, when members of the department handed over the donation to the cancer center. "Many members of the department have friends or family members that have been affected by cancer and felt this was a positive way to give back to the community, as well as showing support for all patients at the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center."

 

The funds were raised by selling pink T-shirts and patches to department personnel and members of the public. Civilian staff could pay to wear the T-shirts to work on Fridays throughout the few months of the fundraiser. In addition, officers could pay to grow facial hair. A department policy that prohibits growing facial hair was suspended temporarily for the purposes of the fundraiser.

 

"On behalf of our patients and staff, we'd like to thank the Bennington Police Department for this generous donation." said Dr. Charlene Ives, medical director of the center. "It is remarkable that this support should come from our local police officers and police department staff, because they already do so much valuable work in service to the public every day. We are so grateful."

 

President and CEO Thomas A. Dee added: "The Bennington Police Department has always been a fantastic partner for the health system. This donation is another example of their community-minded approach and their genuine care for the people they serve."