The four YIPI students, who are among 150 young people working with the Service over the course of the summer, are hosting BBQs for staff members every Thursday, to raise funds for the Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC).

“On top of their other duties, they’re putting together the BBQs to collect money for charity,” said Sgt. Steve Sattz of students Lageishon Mohanadas, Denise Ang, Richard Montera and Victor Ho.

“These kids are definitely going to succeed – they’re excellent workers.”

The idea to raise money for the wildlife centre, which rescues animals in distress, came about after TWC staff arrived at 33 Division to recover two injured young Canadian geese that were unable to move on with their flock.

YIPI student Lagenishon Mohanadas said they wanted to raise money for the wildlife centre because of their professionalism, as well as because they are a small outfit filling a need in their local area.

“As soon as we called them, they came, no questions asked,” said the 17-year-old.

“We were scared they would be killed.”

He said organizing and running the BBQs has given them a chance to meet officers who are regularly on the road.

“It’s great to sit down and chat with them,” Mohandas said.

“They are a lot different than I expected – they’re very open and funny.”

The Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute student hopes to become a police officer after finishing school.

“I’m going to spread the word that students and police need to work together,” Mohandas said.

Mohandas said, beyond the BBQs, they’ve been kept busy with paperwork and administration on a day-to-day basis.

“I’ve seen the reality of policing, not the TV version,” he said.

“It takes a lot more patience because there are a lot of rules to follow.”

However, they’ve also been out in the field delivering messages on how to theft-proof homes to residents and have been involved in safety patrol training at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer.

“I was surprised by the opportunities we’ve had – the summer has gone by fast.”

For more information on the Youth In Policing Initiative, go to www.torontopolice.on.ca/yipi