The donation of $585,561, however, was not in his pouch either. It was tucked away somewhere on huge placards behind a lectern that Toronto Police Services Board chair Alok Mukherjee, Staff Supt. Tony Corrie, United Way's Susan McIsaac, Toronto Police Association President Dave Wilson and Staff Supt. Mike Federico used to speak to the mostly police officers who turned out to witness the occasion.
The donation surpassed both the $575,000 target that had been set for this year and the amount - $564,000 - the police raised last year. Part of this money, said Melissa Gibson, who is in charge of special events, came from organized events but most of it was officers' salary contributions.
Mukherjee said money donated to charity was an example of continued efforts to make a difference to people who need it the most.
"When we give, we are not only helping our community but also those who we work with who need this support."
McIsaac credited the police for being one of the most reliable society networks that work with and support United Way. She said there was no other agency like them in ensuring the safety of the city and the well-being of its citizens.
"It's good people doing great things," Federico said.