About Us
Connecting With the Abbotsford Community
The Abbotsford Police Foundation (APF) is a registered not-for-profit charitable foundation supporting the Abbotsford Police Department programs and initiatives not covered by the regular operating budget from the City of Abbotsford. This means that AbbyPD is able to connect with the community in ways they would not otherwise have been able to.
Through our fundraising efforts, the APF strives to support and foster positive connections between the Abbotsford Police Department and our community by supporting programs and initiatives that reduce crime and build positive relationships.
The APF does not fund policing services and has no input into the operations of the AbbyPD. We do not receive any government funding, relying solely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to sustain this vital work.
Our Vision & Mission
Mission
TOGETHER for a SAFER ABBOTSFORD – there is a strong, supportive relationship between our community and the Abbotsford Police Department.
Vision
We help make Abbotsford the Safest City in BC by providing funding to AbbyPD initiatives (not covered by the annual budget) that create strong, positive connections with community.
Values
- Trust
- Accountability
- Inclusion
- Community
Board of Directors
Sandy Blue
President
Sandy Blue has been an integral part of the APF board since 2006, joining at the invitation of APF founder Jack Robertson while serving on the Abbotsford Police Board. With a deep-seated belief in giving back to the community, Sandy has been actively involved in police-related community initiatives since 1988. After transitioning to public service, Sandy’s roles have ranged from Business Development at YXX to Strategic Economic Initiatives for a Lower Mainland Municipality, culminating in eight years on the Abbotsford City Council.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Sandy owns an interior design firm and serves on the UFV Properties Trust and EcoFarm boards. A dedicated family person, she cherishes spending time with her children and grandchildren. Sandy’s passion for community service extends to volunteering and mentoring, while her hobbies include sewing, gardening, and cooking; and she is an avid supporter of the Abby Canucks. In her leisure time Sandy aspires to improve her golfing skills.
During her term as President, Sandy is committed to providing the board with the necessary tools and resources to ensure long-term success. She prioritizes building essential connections within the business community and raising awareness of APF throughout Abbotsford to strengthen its impact on the community.
Marcus Akhtar
Vice President
Marcus has been a dedicated member of the APF board since December 2019, driven by his passion for connecting with the community, particularly with youth. With an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Marcus brings a unique blend of expertise to his role as an Asset Management professional involved with infrastructure projects.
One of Marcus’s notable achievements includes his instrumental role in securing a donation of space for the current Breast Health clinic at Abbotsford Hospital. Through his persuasive efforts, he convinced a private investor to donate 2,000 sq ft of space, valued at $1.5 million in rent. This contribution ensured the clinic’s continued operation, highlighting Marcus’s commitment to supporting essential community services.
Outside of his professional endeavours, Marcus enjoys playing bass guitar, indulging in his love for cricket, and socializing with friends. He is particularly keen on seeing the APF expand its outreach to youth in the community, recognizing the pivotal role they play in shaping Abbotsford’s future. With his dedication and vision, Marcus contributes significantly to the efforts of the APF to engage and support the next generation.
Kinder Sidhu
Treasurer
Kinder joined the APF board in the fall of 2022 with a strong desire to give back to the community and support the police who serve it. With a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC and a CPA (CA) designation, Kinder manages a successful public accounting practice and runs several thriving businesses in agriculture and property development.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Kinder has a passion for ball hockey, having played competitively for the past 30 years. He also has over a decade of experience as a coach, showcasing his commitment to mentoring and guiding others. In his leisure time, Kinder enjoys travelling and watching TV and movies.
During his tenure on the APF board, Kinder’s primary goal is to assist the Abbotsford police in promoting their community involvement and exposure to citizens.
Additionally, he aims to help raise funds for programs and activities that allow police to interact with citizens in non-enforcement roles, fostering positive relationships and enhancing community safety. Through his dedication and expertise, Kinder contributes significantly to the mission of the APF supporting the Abbotsford Police Department and strengthening community ties.
Navi Sidhu
Secretary
Navi Sidhu is the Managing Partner at Curiositas Consulting, an agency dedicated to helping organizations navigate the rebuilding and restructuring of their people, systems, and governance processes. She has dedicated 18 years of service to the City of Abbotsford and currently serves as a part of the management team for Bylaw Services.
Her expertise in business management, leadership, human resources, governance, and organizational transformation brings an invaluable wealth of experience to the Abbotsford Police Foundation. Navi holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and a Graduate Certificate in Personal and Professional Development, which support her comprehensive skill set.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Navi is deeply connected to the Fraser Valley. Alongside her husband, she raised her three sons within this community, fostering a deep understanding of its needs and aspirations. Driven by a passion for giving back, Navi is thrilled to leverage her skills and experiences to serve on the Abbotsford Police Foundation Board.
Chief Colin Watson
Director
Bio coming soon!
Alli Blouin
Director, Chair of Events Committee
Alli, a resident of Abbotsford for the past 18 years, is deeply committed to giving back to her vibrant and growing community. Having had the privilege of working with the AbbyPD, Alli understands firsthand the invaluable role they play, the spirit they embody, and the commitment they have to the community’s safety and well-being. Recognizing the importance of bridging the gap between the community and the police force, Alli believes that fostering closer ties will ensure Abbotsford remains a safe and welcoming city for all residents.
Currently serving as the Manager of Customer Experience & Corporate Communications for Fraserway RV, Alli plays a vital role in administering the Adventurer Foundation, which provides meaningful support to numerous community-based charitable organizations across Canada. Outside of her professional life, Alli enjoys golfing, travelling, and immersing herself in a good book.
During her tenure with the APF, Alli is dedicated to strengthening its foundation through policy creation and process documentation. She aims to grow the contributing sponsorship base and elevate community awareness of the APF and its purpose. Through her passion for community engagement and her strategic approach, Alli contributes significantly to the mission of the APF supporting the Abbotsford Police Department and fostering positive relationships within the community.
Erwin Braun
Director
Erwin has been a member of the APF Board since December 2017, driven by a desire to foster strong bonds between law enforcement personnel and the community they serve. With guidance from his father, Erwin embarked on an entrepreneurial journey alongside his brothers, joining his father’s established railroad construction company. Over two decades, they successfully expanded the business into a prominent national entity before its eventual sale. Subsequently, Erwin ventured into real estate development and strategic investments in venture capital.
Outside of his professional endeavours, Erwin and his wife share a passion for international travel, often indulging in walks and hikes to explore diverse destinations. They have a deep appreciation for culinary experiences, both in their own kitchen and during their travels abroad. A summer tradition for the couple involves spending time on Lake Okanagan, eagerly awaiting the company of their family whenever possible.
Erwin’s involvement with the APF is driven by the belief that it can lead to improved relationships and positive interactions between Abbotsford police officers and community members. With his dedication to fostering connections and his diverse background in business, Erwin plays a crucial role in advancing the mission of the APF and contributing to a safer, more unified community.
Pat Dyck
Director
S/Sgt Pat Dyck joined the APF board in May 2023. In his role as President of the Abbotsford Police Union Pat advocates for the interests of 240 sworn police officers. He brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the team. Additionally, he serves as the Staff Development NCO for the AbbyPD and has recently expanded his expertise by completing an Associate Certificate in HR Management, with ongoing pursuit of his CPHR designation.
Outside of his professional commitments, Pat finds solace in reading, running, and spending time outdoors. His passion for these activities reflects his commitment to personal well-being and growth. During his tenure on the APF board, Pat’s primary objective is to ensure that the projects funded by APF align with the interests of APU members and contribute positively to the organization’s goals and objectives.
With his unique perspective and dedication to service, Pat plays a crucial role in advancing the mission of APF and supporting the Abbotsford Police Department’s initiatives.
Jessica Levesque
Director, Chair of Marketing Committee
Jessica joined the APF board in April 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the organization’s goals. Having served as an Ambassador since 2022, her interest in joining the board stems from a desire to contribute her time and expertise in marketing and communications.
With a BBA from the University of the Fraser Valley, majoring in Marketing, Jessica has been actively involved in not-for-profit and community organizations for nearly a decade. Currently serving as a Director with the UFV Alumni Association and as a Strategist within the UFV Community programming and experience department, she is deeply passionate about growing and strengthening community connections.
Outside of her professional commitments, Jessica spends her time volunteering and spending quality time with her family, including her husband, son, and high-energy dog, Charlie.
Jessica’s vision for the APF is to foster community engagement by establishing meaningful connections and mentorship opportunities. She plans to enhance the online presence of APF through a dynamic Marketing and Communications committee. Through heightened awareness and connectivity, Jessica aims to create avenues for young professionals to actively participate and volunteer, thereby gaining invaluable experience.
Jasmit Phulka
Director
Jasmit joined the APF board in 2023, deeply committed to empowering the next generation to make informed choices. Drawing from his experience as a Canadian National wrestling team member for over 14 years and serving on seven boards in Abbotsford, Jasmit brings a wealth of leadership and community engagement expertise. Currently employed at the family business, Maple Leaf Nursery, Jasmit dedicates his free time to giving back to the community through coaching and mentorship.
He is passionate about leveraging his platform to raise awareness about APF and secure funds for its projects. Jasmit is determined to give his utmost at every board meeting, ensuring his contributions make a meaningful impact on APF initiatives.
Christina Reid
Director
Christina Reid lives, works and plays in the Fraser Valley, S’ólh Téméxw, the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Stó:lō Nation. She holds a Master’s Degree in Archaeology and Heritage from Leicester University (UK), with a specialty in built heritage. Christina has been Heritage Abbotsford’s Executive Director since 2017, and joined Abbotsford Police Foundation as an Ambassador in 2019. She is keen to create opportunities for not for profit organizations, universities, and related industries to build strong, supportive partnerships, and to support emerging professionals in the NFP industry.
Britt Rigues
Director, Chair of Fundraising Committee
Britt joined the APF board in December 2023 with a strong desire to support the police department and its members by raising funds for projects beyond their regular budget constraints.
With a background in Real Estate Development, Britt brings a unique perspective to the boardroom.
Outside of his professional life, he enjoys indulging in his passion for BBQing and smoking meats, Texas-style. Britt’s primary goal during his term is to enhance the narrative of the APF by bringing together more members of the community who collectively support AbbyPD.
Through his dedication and strategic approach, Britt aims to foster positive connections between the police and the public, ultimately contributing to a safer and more supportive community.
Archana Singh
Director
Archana joined the APF board in January 2024, bringing a wealth of educational and professional experience to her role. With a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Management, an MBA in Business Administration with Honours, and a Project Management Certification from McMaster University, Archana’s academic background underscores her commitment to excellence.
Throughout her career spanning multiple countries including India and Canada, Archana has garnered extensive experience across diverse industries, ranging from Telecommunications to Floriculture. Her impressive tenure includes notable organizations such as Norsat International, Bloomstar Bouquet, Teldon Media Group, Reliance Infocomm, Fraserway RV, and Mantra Consulting. Recognized for her transformational achievements, Archana is celebrated as a forward-thinking leader who excels in strategic and tactical planning.
Outside of the boardroom, Archana finds joy in spending quality time with her family, immersing herself in books, and enjoying swimming sessions. Her passion for fostering positive connections between the Abbotsford Police Department and the community reflects her dedication to creating a safer environment. With her strategic acumen and problem-solving skills, Archana is committed to working on projects that support the mission of the APF to reduce crime and enhance community safety.
Brian Vickers
Director, Chair of Governance and Policy Committee
Brian joined the APF board in April 2024.
Born and raised in Abbotsford Brian grew up playing baseball with the Abbotsford Cardinals. With the guidance and support of my local community, he went on to play for various universities in Canada and across the United States.
After exhausting that dream with a short professional career, he returned to British Columbia to obtain his Juris Doctor from Thompson Rivers University in 2014 and was called to the British Columbia Bar in 2015.
His primary focus is to provide value to the community. His life experiences have given him a broad perspective of law enforcement and the justice system. Brian’s vision for the APF is by offering helpful opinions and solutions, he can help facilitate progress, action and attract donors to support initiatives to reduce crime and build relationships between AbbyPD and the community.
Christina Whitehead
Development Coordinator
Chrissy became a member of the Abbotsford Police Foundation (APF) in 2023, bringing extensive expertise in nonprofit management, fundraising, and event coordination. The APF holds a special significance for her, as she has dedicated over 15 years to volunteering with the Abbotsford Police Department.
Since 1997, Chrissy has actively engaged with the Abbotsford community, initially contributing to organizations such as the Abbotsford Youth Commission, Big Brothers and Sisters of the Fraser Valley, and Abbotsford Community Services (Archway). These experiences have deepened her commitment to community service and inspired her to take on a variety of roles with other nonprofits, including BC Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, Abbotsford Hospice, Abbotsford Agrifair, and the Abbotsford Airshow.
In her position at the Abbotsford Police Foundation, Chrissy strives to foster stronger community connections and raise awareness about the essential initiatives supported by the APF, all while serving as a proactive and supportive leader dedicated to community engagement.
In her leisure time, Chrissy enjoys participating in softball and hockey, golfing, and spending quality moments with her husband and young son. She also finds joy in cruising on her motorcycle.
Our History
The Abbotsford Police Foundation was founded in 2005 by three community leaders – Jack Robertson, Dave Kandal and Spud Murphy. Each believed that it would take a personal investment from the community to ensure the Abbotsford Police Department had the funding to provide programs and develop initiatives to help keep Abbotsford a safe community.
The founders invested not only time, but money. Their passion for the cause and dedicated efforts to see it thrive resulted in more members of the community contributing generous donations. The Abbotsford Community Foundation provided a matching grant, as did the Abbotsford Police Union.
Today, because of the commitment of these original members, and those that followed, the Abbotsford Police Foundation continues to raise funds to facilitate positive relationships between the police and the community they protect.