RCMP, CBSA team up to support survivor services in Charlotte County
A charity hockey game in St. Stephen will help strengthen support services for people affected by sexual violence in Charlotte County.
Members of the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will face off in the Border vs. Order game on Friday, with proceeds supporting the Willow Centre, which provides counselling, outreach and other supports in the region.
RELATED: CBSA vs. RCMP charity hockey game for St. Stephen
Why the agencies chose the Willow Centre
Program director Sam Gullison says the support comes at a time when more people are reaching out for help.
She says the centre operates with only two staff members and, despite the funding it receives through Women’s Equality, it still faces a funding gap of about $100,000 compared to the region’s needs.
“Funds raised through an event like this are going to go directly to helping support survivor services and will help with being able to provide outside supports for counselling,” Gullison said.
Gullison said RCMP and CBSA members were intentional in choosing an organization whose work aligns with their priorities.
She explained CBSA identifies human sex trafficking as a key enforcement priority at the border, and the RCMP has a dedicated unit focused on sexual‑violence investigations and human trafficking.
CBSA officer Tom Denyer said the partnership quickly became more meaningful than expected.
“Once I read about what you do, I was on board 100 per cent,” Denyer said to Gullison.
“This started as an excuse to play some hockey and to raise money, but once we partnered with you, my priority has switched to raising money and awareness first and playing the game has become the bonus to that.”
Gullison said being chosen for the fundraiser was validating and showed that people within these agencies care about survivor safety and are working to build trust.
She said the support also helps extend services to rural and island communities, where distance and limited staffing can make access more difficult.
The Willow Centre also shared RCMP‑reported statistics showing the number of sexual‑violence‑related reports in Charlotte County from January to September 2025.
The data includes reports of sexual assault, sexual interference, sexual exploitation and sextortion:
- St. Stephen: 18
- St. Andrews: 2
- St. George: 15
- Campobello: 1
- Grand Manan: 1
Gullison said reported cases represent only a portion of actual incidents, and community awareness remains an important part of their work.
She said misconceptions about consent and trauma responses continue to create barriers for survivors.
“Consent needs to be informed, ongoing and freely given,” she said.
“It can be withdrawn at any time, regardless of the relationship.”
She added that many survivors freeze or comply out of fear, which is a trauma response and not consent.
Gullison said community members can support the centre year‑round by sharing information, attending events, speaking up when they see harmful behaviour and connecting people to available supports.
She emphasized that even small actions can help reduce stigma and make services more accessible.
Local RCMP and CBSA members are organizing additional fundraising activities during the game, including a 50/50 draw, Chuck‑a‑Puck and contributions from local businesses.
The Willow Centre has also been shortlisted for funding to build a Volunteer Accompaniment Program that would provide support to survivors.
The organization is encouraging residents to vote in the community‑based selection process.
