By Alison Olsen
Niagara Falls Review
Residents of the Niagara Region are being invited to Bring the Colors Home as the Niagara Regional Police unveil a limited edition print available to those who contribute towards the force's new insignia.
The print, entitled Bringing the Colors Home, was created by Niagara Falls artist Maria Klokkou and features 12 individual scenes which most represents each municipaligy. Niagara Falls features the mighty cataracts and the old clock tower represents Niagara-on-the-Lake.
A group of local citizens representing different municipalities have been working diligently since late August to come up with a way to support the NRP by helping to raise the estimated $35,000 needed to equip NRP shoulder flashes, cap badges and police cruisers with the new insignia.
Lieutenant Governor Henry Jackman presented the new colors earlier this month. The badge, which will make its debut appearance in about eight weeks on the NRP's new uniforms, is the third in the history of the NRP but the first insignia to uniquely represent the Niagara Region.
"This is a way to bring the community and the police services closer together and to show the board that the community is behind them," said committee member and president of the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce Ted Salci.
The committee members brainstormed ideas for awhile before approaching artist Klokkou who offered her services. A self-taught British artist who works in pastel, oils, watercolor and pencils, Klokkou ran a successful gallery in St. Catharines for about a year before moving her gallery to its present Lundy's Lane location.
For donations of $75 or more, the donor will receive a copy of the limited edition print as a token of appreciation. The print, approximately 16 inches by 20 inches, is done with pencil and bordered in the red, green and blue colors of the NRP's new insignia.
"I think it will be very impressive when it's completed," Salci said, adding the funds raised will avoid hitting taxpayers with the bill for the additional costs of the new insignia.
The partially-completed work was unveiled at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club on Tuesday. A final product is expected to be presented at next Thursday's NRP service board meeting and the copies of the print are expected to be ready by mid-November and will be available until mid-December.
Organizers say donors will not only be supporting a worthy cause but the print should make a unique Christmas present. Only about 1,000 prints will be made. Donations made payable to the Regional Municipality of Niagara will receive a receipt for income tax purposes. The NRP will also make a police officer available to present the print in appreciation of support to local groups and clubs.
For more information regarding the prints, contact NRP public affairs officer Sgt. Mark Carter at 688-4111 ext. 4299.
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