When Sergeant Adam Cosgrove first volunteered to lead a Federated Health Charities (FHC) campaign back in 2019, he thought it would be a one-time commitment. At the time, he was part of the Ontario Provincial Police’s (OPP) elite Search and Rescue and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Response Team—a unit of 21 highly trained individuals. His Bureau had been selected to lead the FHC campaign that year, and when the call went out for a volunteer, Adam stepped up.
“I thought it was just going to be for that year,” he recalls. “But once I started learning about the 21 charities supported by FHC, I realized how deeply they touch the lives of Canadians. I couldn’t walk away.”
That initial spark turned into a lasting passion. Today, Adam manages a team of 19 civilian members at OPP Headquarters (GHQ), and he continues to lead FHC fundraising efforts with even greater energy and purpose. His team’s enthusiasm and creativity have been a driving force behind his continued involvement.
“They motivate me,” Adam says. “They’re the reason I joined the FHC Advisory Council. I came into a high-functioning team that loves to get involved, and they inspire me to do more.”
Under Adam’s leadership, the team has launched a variety of fun and engaging fundraising initiatives—from Waffle Wednesdays that fill the building with the irresistible scent of fresh waffles, to Taco Tuesdays, dress-down days, and more. Their efforts even earned them a Community Involvement Award, a testament to their dedication and impact.
But for Adam, it’s not just about the events—it’s about the people. “I refreshed my memory of the 21 charities before sitting down to this article, and I was able to name someone in my life—my nana, my neighbour, others—who’ve been affected by each one. That’s powerful.”
Adam’s journey from tactical operations to community leadership highlights the heart of the OPP’s culture: service, not just in policing, but in giving back. Each Bureau across the province runs its own FHC initiatives, with champions like Adam coordinating efforts that span local and provincial levels. Every dollar raised supports a cause that touches lives across Ontario.
Still, Adam sees room to grow. “A lot of people here are generous, but they don’t always know what FHC is. It can feel transactional—‘you need $20, here you go.’ I want to help humanize the campaign. These are real people, real stories, real impact. That’s why I’m proud to share our story, and our picture – by putting names and faces to my amazing team at OPP who lead the fundraising for Federated Health Charities, and inspire others to contribute too!”
Would you like to share your story with others about why you support Federated Health Charities? Do you know someone who would? Reach out to us at federated.health.charities@ontario.ca – we’d love to introduce you to your provincial government colleagues!
