NEWS RELEASE WELLINGTON COUNTY OPP
(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – Six months ago, on October 17, 2025, the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was proud to announce the ‘Soft Hearts Initiative’, which is a local project to partner with the community to help comfort children who experience traumatic events.
Since its inception, the Wellington County OPP is pleased to announce that the project has been a resounding success, with Rockwood, Fergus and Teviotdale detachments frequently receiving handmade crochet plushies from the community, to be given to children in need and used as a tool to help ease children in times of upheaval in their lives.
The Wellington County OPP would like to thank the members of the public who have donated their time and effort in collaboration with us.
We believe that when a child experiences a traumatic event, receiving a handmade crochet plushie, crafted with care, can offer a sense of comfort and hope. Each plushie represents a personal gesture of kindness from the community, helping children begin their journey toward healing.
If you wish to donate, the Wellington County OPP is still seeking talented individuals who can make crochet plushies to be given to children in need.
Donation Guidelines
To ensure safety and suitability, all donated plushies must meet the following criteria:
• They must be handmade
• They must be new
• They must not contain small parts that could pose a choking hazard
• We cannot accept used or gently used plushies
• They must not have any monetary value
Please see the attached photo for examples of acceptable plushies.
We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing generosity and compassion shown by our local communities in Wellington County.
Donations can be dropped off at the front desk of any Wellington County OPP detachment.
For any additional questions, please contact matthew.r.burton@opp.ca or carly.mckeown@opp.ca.
