BRIDGEWATER — The Bridgewater Police Foundation is pleased to share that it was recently able to make a donation to its 2020 race beneficiary, despite being unable to hold the annual event in 2020.
The Bridgewater Police 5K & 1M Kids Fun Run race takes place annually with proceeds benefiting a selected charity or local organization. The race was scheduled to take place in September 2020, however, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the event was postponed.
Though the race was unable to go on as planned, the Bridgewater Police Foundation/Bridgewater Police 5K were still able to make a $500 donation to Project PACK Inc., the previously selected beneficiary of the 2020 event proceeds.
“We were disappointed to have to cancel 2020’s race but still wanted to support Project PACK with this donation as they continue their important work during these unprecedented times,” said Bridgewater Police Foundation Board Member and Race Director Rebekah Caylor.
Project PACK Inc. is a non-profit, all volunteer organization based in Bridgewater that supplies survivors of sexual assault with Post Assault Comfort Kits (PACKs) at emergency rooms and Children’s Advocacy Centers across Massachusetts.
PACKs serve to comfort and show support for survivors during the lengthy evidence collection process. Adult/Adolescent PACKs include items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, tissues, lip balm, hair elastics and combs, mouthwash, mints, wet wipes, lotion, feminine hygiene products and undergarments. The Adult/Adolescent PACKs are made in both female and male versions. The Pediatric PACKs include similar items with toddler/young adult-themed products, as well as comfort items such as activity/coloring books, crayons and markers, stickers, stuffed animals and more.
Project PACK Inc. also currently collaborates with the Massachusetts SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program to distribute PACKs to patients and survivors. The organization has supplied the SANE program with thousands of items since beginning its work in 2006.
The organization’s methods for collecting items and assembling PACKs during COVID-19 has shifted, however the organization continues to support the MA SANE program and survivors however possible. Project PACK Inc.’s greatest needs continue to be for the more expensive items included in PACKs such as mouthwash, lip balm, lotion, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Anyone interested in supporting the organization is able to do so through financial or in kind donations. Learn more here.
Project PACK Inc. will again be the beneficiary of the 2021 race which is currently scheduled to take place on Saturday, Sept. 25.
“The Bridgewater Police 5K & 1M Kids Fun Run race is a fun event for the community that also allows the Bridgewater Police Foundation to support a local organization each year, and we are looking forward to the 2021 run which will also support Project PACK,” Chief Delmonte said. “I would like to recognize Tammy and Pauline personally for their many years of advocacy and support of sexual assault survivors in our communities. We are proud of their strong and compassionate leadership that truly makes a difference.”
About the Bridgewater Police 5K & 1M Fun Run
The Bridgewater Police Department hosts its 5K & 1M Kids Fun Run on the last Saturday in September each year to raise money for charity and local programs. The race includes a 5K USA Track & Field certified course for adults and a one-mile fun run for children. Proceeds from past races have supported organizations such as Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog and America’s VetDogs.
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