Downtown Kingston BIA launches campaign to keep Murney on patrol

Earlier this year, the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area (BIA) welcomed Murney the police horse back to the streets of downtown Kingston. However, according to the City of Kingston, financial support is needed for the care and lodging of this “beloved, four-legged member of the Kingston Police.”

Although there have been many generous donations to date, the Downtown Kingston BIA is leading a fundraising campaign, with support from the City of Kingston and Kingston Police, according to a media release dated Friday, Sept. 9, 2022.

“Murney is a unique and valued member of our community. She performs an important role by connecting with members of Kingston’s most vulnerable communities, and building connections with visitors and residents,” said Bev Allinson, Board Member with the Downtown Kingston BIA. 

Murney patrols the community with rider Constable Amy Carter; together, the pair perform highly visible proactive policing in the City, according to the release. 

“Murney and Cst. Carter augment, and enhance, police presence on streets in downtown Kingston,” added Allinson. 

The annual cost of housing and caring for Murney is approximately $37,500, according to the City of Kingston. Since the start of 2021, the Kingston community has donated more than $43,000 to help pay for Murney’s lodging and care for 2021 and 2022. According to the release, another $32,000 is needed to cover expenses until the end of 2022.

Moving forward, Kingston Police are looking at options to include ongoing expenses for the mounted unit into future operating budgets and/or other long-term funding opportunities, according to the City.

Make your donation go farther

According to the City, the Downtown Kingston BIA has agreed to match every dollar raised up to a maximum of $8,000 between now and December 31, 2022. This means that for every dollar donated, $2 will go to support Murney.

The City provided the following ways to support Murney on Patrol:

• Donate securely online through Canada Helps at https://www.kingstonpolice.ca/en/general-information/mounted-unit-fundraising.aspx
• Donate in person at any TD Bank branch in Kingston (you don’t have to be a TD Bank customer)
• Donate in person or by phone at the City Hall Payment Centre, 23 Ontario St., 613-546-4291 x1240
• Donate by etransfer to [email protected]. Please be sure to include your name, mailing address and email in the message field if you would like an income tax receipt.

All donations qualify for a tax receipt and every dollar raised goes directly to supporting Murney’s care and training expenses, the City said.