The Kelowna Detachment Police Victim Services presented a local businessman with an award for his support of the program over the last 20 years.
Mike Kakoske of the Orchard Park BC Liquor Store has been given the Police Victim Services Corporate Community Leadership Award.
Kakoske’s ongoing support for the BC Liquor Store’s Share a Bear program over the past 20 years earned him the honour.
“With the support of community-minded people like Mike Kakoske, our Police Victim Services program is better equipped to provide necessary services to victims of crime and their families,” said Cary Berger, Regional District of the Central Okanagan and Victim Services Manager.
The Share a Bear program sees BC Liquor Stores sell twin teddy bears to its customers—one for the customer to keep and one to be given away to a child or family in need. Victim’s Services is a recipient of some of the bears.
“We really appreciate the recognition and it’s mostly due to our customers,” said Kakoske. “Our customers come out every year and offer their support.”
Kakoske wasn’t the only local award recipient. During the Police Victim Services of British Columbia Conference Awards Ceremony held earlier this month Kelowna’s Hanni Gebauer, a long-time Kelowna Victim’s Services worker, recieved a volunteer practitioner long-term service award for 15 years of service and out-going Superintendent of Police, Bill McKinnon, the Criminal Justice System Award for his support of Police Victim’s Services.
