History of the Guardian Angels

After 27 years as promoters of safety and empowerment, The Guardian Angels continue to teach communities and schools to take control and responsibility of both their environment and their lives. Now their community is global as they reach citizens around the world. The Guardian Angels now exist in more than 80 communities in 9 countries.

The story of this organization's genesis and nascent roots are by now familiar. Less familiar is the story of its progressive adaptation to societal needs. Curtis and his Angels inspired young people to create over twenty chapters around the world and won the support of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani; iconic businessmen like Carl Icahn, Paul Carlucci, Leon Temiz and Fred Drasner; sport heroes Dave Winfield and Boomer Esaison; entertainers Regis Philbin, Phil Collins and Oprah; and revered broadcaster Walter Cronkite. The Guardian Angels helped to establish community forces with groups such as the YMCA, the National Crime Prevention Council, the United Way, and the Points of Light Foundation. Read the Guardian Angels section on Wikipedia.

The Guardian Angels are not new to Canada - our first chapter in Toronto (Ontario) began in 1982 and patrolled the streets and subways of the GTA as well as initiating mobile patrols in the Mississauga/Oakville area through 1984. We also assisted in starting chapters in Buffalo and Rochester (NY). In 1992 a second Toronto chapter was formed in the Parkdale area in response to requests from residents. We have also had chapters in Windsor, London, Vancouver and Montreal.

In 2006 we are back and here to stay.

Though safety patrols are still a part of our mandate, our primary focus is to educate and set an example for the youth of our country as well as encouraging a return to the "community ethic" - where people naturally looked out for and assisted others in need. Taking a proactive stance in keeping our communities safe and presenting a positive ideal as educators, mentors and members of these communities is something we can all be a part of - remembering we are all one human family!

Founder/President (Worldwide): Curtis Sliwa

Curtis continues to implement and enhance programs of personal, neighbourhood, cyberspace and educational safety. While the street patrol component continues to thrive, his ultimate objective is to provide viable solutions to educational and classroom safety challenges. With Curtis at the helm, The Guardian Angels have evolved into a renowned organization focused on their groundbreaking work in developing curriculum to address the critical issues that threaten safe and effective education.

Executive Director (Worldwide): Mary Sliwa

Under Mary Sliwa’s leadership as Executive Director of The Guardian Angels, the group’s programs have grown exponentially – from the original community safety patrols begun in 1979, The Guardian Angels now provides training, support and community empowerment programs throughout the world focusing on Community Safety, Professional Development for Educators, School-based Anti-Bullying Coursework, and Internet Safety.