Abbotsford Police Foundation Uses a 2021 Smart and Caring Community Grant to Offer Adventure Filled Geocaching Series 

Through our 2021 Smart and Caring Community Grants program, the Abbotsford Community Foundation distributed a total of $125,000 to 18 local charities and organizations that support local families in need. The Abbotsford Police Foundation (APF) was one of many organizations that received funding, specifically for their Geocaching: Mystery of ’21 Series. 
It all started early last year when the APF recognized the challenges community members were continuing to face as they navigated living through a pandemic with no end in sight. That’s why they developed a geocaching project that provided families with an opportunity to engage with the APF while playing a fun and interactive outdoor game. It provided entertainment, challenged families to use their problem-solving skills, and rewarded their efforts and hard work with a prize. The APF used graphic video cards with custom animations and a storyline to add to the excitement.
                 
According to the APF, participants responded positively to the geocaching series. They recorded a total of 1,303 logged interactions via the geocaching app, meaning that 1,303 individual accounts confirmed they had located the hidden graphics cards. Often people participate in groups with friends and family, leading the APF to believe an estimated 2,000+ residents participated in this exciting series. 
This event drew people from across the Lower Mainland, evident in a local Facebook group called the BC Geocaching Association that highlighted the APF series. Group members expressed how much they enjoyed playing it with comments like, “Bravo for the Community Involvement Abby PD!” by Leona M Carter, and “Wow, glad they are sharing the fun with the community” by Valerie Cross. 
Local mom, Nicole Berlinguette, shared that her kids had a great time finding the hidden treasures and that “the activity provided a great opportunity for both kids to work together to find them.” It also encouraged her family to visit local parks and places they had never been to before. Nicole would like to thank everyone that made it happen and share that she hopes to see this geocaching series offered in the future.
It’s clear that in this series, the ripple effect of fun for local and extended communities is immeasurable; however, its impact was recognized and appreciated by those who participated. To learn more about the Abbotsford Police Foundation and its community events, click here.
To learn more about ACF’s Smart and Caring Community Grants program, click here.