The Odd Squad is comprised of a group of Vancouver police officers who began filming on their beat in 1998. They’ve created a series of documentaries that began with “Through the Blue Lens” and continues to grow as they put a spotlight on addiction related issues and crimes.
One of the founders, Al Arsenault, has been a family friend for more than 30 years, he truly cares and is dedicated to this cause.
“After seven years of service with Odd Squad, I still find a lot of satisfaction in bringing the reality of the street to the viewing public through video production. By showing youth in particular the graphic truth about the soul-sapping nature of drug addiction, I hope to positively convey that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure without being pedantic or condescending.â€
Al Arsenault
Catch some of their trailers on The Odd Squad Videos YouTube Channel
Meanwhile head over to their web site and puchase these fundraising CD’s they’ve put together so you can help them continue to make educational videos for our youth. The music includes a variety of styles by such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Barenaked Ladies, Barney Bentall, Colin James and Valdy. The CD’s will not disappoint an eclectic music lover. My personal favorites include anything sung with Paul Hyde’s soulful voice and Crash Hard by Dustin Bentall (Barney Bentall’s son).
On The Beat
Jesus the Bookie – Bocephus King
Hastings and Main – Colorifics
Quick Before its Too Late – Paul Hyde
Rodeo of Fallen Stars – Swank
Waiting for the Drugs to Take Hold – Secret V’s
The Hidden World – Copyright
Put Me Through to Yesterday – The Bughouse Five
Hastings Street Christmas – Aaron Chapman
Tidal Wave – Mackenzie-Jones
Flips My World – Rick Grant
Learn to Say No – Gary Durban
Big Town – Danny Davies
Angels in Prison – Wally High
Odd Way – Valdy
Hold ON (CHange is Coming) – The Universal Gospel Choir
On The Beat II
Disc 1
Point Blank – Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
It Can’t Happen to Me – Charlie Major
Just a Pilgrim – Jim Byrnes
Suicidewinder – Ridley Bent
Pick Up the Pieces – Nat Jay
Crash Hard – Dustin Bentall
Oppenheimer Park – 54:40
Nine Summers Lost – Harry Manx
I Miss My Mind the Most – Paul Hyde
Garden in the Stones – Leslie Alexander
I’m Gonna Find My Way – Johnny Demarco
Disc 2
War on Drugs – Barenaked Ladies
Speakeasy – Colin James
Port Town – John Mann
The Unlucky Ones – Barney Bentall
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings – Stoned
Two Trains Runnin’ – Randy Bachman
Empty Saddle – Cameron Latimer
Breakthrough – The New Odds
Everything is Real – Leeroy Stagger
Phoenix – Issa
Jesus the Bookie – Bocephus King (Bonus DVD)
To order these CD’s visit the Odd Squad online store. Support a fantastic cause and get some awesome music doing it!
Those of you living in Vancouver also have the option to attend On Track Fundraising Gala on Monday, June 8, 2009. There are several exciting events planned for the evening including a keynote speech from Tony Moreno, author of Lessons from a Gang Cop, and inspiration for the movie Colors. A sneak preview of the new Odd Squad Production, Gangs and Guns.
For ticket information, please call 604-408-9945 or go online at www.oddsquad.com. Tickets are $175.00 each. Black tie or business attire.