Monday, Sept. 12, 2016 (Halifax, NS) – A new gun amnesty campaign got underway today in the Halifax Regional Municipality, and will offer participants a payback on a first-come, first-served basis over the two-week program from Sept. 12 to 23.
Fares for Firearms is a public awareness campaign being held to promote the opportunity for citizens to turn in unwanted, unregistered, and unsecure firearms in exchange for Halifax Transit tickets.
“On behalf of Regional Council, I’m pleased to support this gun amnesty campaign as one of many initiatives underway to address causes of violence, and help keep our communities’ safe,” remarked Mayor Mike Savage. “If this campaign keeps even one gun out of the wrong hands, then we have taken a step forward in improving public safety within our communities.”
Unregistered, unwanted and unsecured guns have the potential to cause serious harm or death. Every gun that is turned over to police for disposal can help to reduce such incidents. Residents can turn in firearms and ammunition to police at any time during the year. In 2015, 194 firearms were turned in to police for disposal within the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Program participants are directed to call 902-490-5020 to request firearm pick-up, and an officer will be in contact to confirm details, as well as provide information on how to request the campaign incentive.
“Lack of personal transportation or money to buy transit tickets is a real struggle for some members of our community,” said Ted Upshaw, Public Safety Advisor with the Halifax Regional Municipality. “We’re pleased Halifax Transit came on board with this program, which enables us to encourage participation during the two-week campaign through the offer of transit tickets in return for each firearm turned in to police.”
Halifax Transit will provide 50 transit tickets in return for each firearm turned in during the campaign, up to a maximum value of $5000. If participants have no use for transit tickets, the municipality is encouraging them to re-distribute the tickets to those in need; a friend or family member, or a local community group.
For more information on the Fares for Firearms gun amnesty campaign, visit www.halifax.ca/gunamnesty.
Source: Release