(Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Shop With a Cop

Local police go Christmas shopping with kids

Dec 19, 2019 | 4:03 PM

Twenty-five Prince Albert police officers reported for special holiday duty on Wednesday.

They were at Canadian Tire to do some Christmas shopping.

The annual yuletide tradition gives kids the chance to “shop with a cop” – picking out presents for their family members with one-on-one help from a member of the Prince Albert Police Service.

(Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

“It’s important for them to see us as a friend in the community,” Cont. Elvin Benitez told paNOW. “So in case they ever need us they’re not scared to come and seek help.”

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Benitez was paired up with eight year-old Brian Gardener.

Gardener bought gifts for his mom, brother and even his cat, Garfield. He explained it was important to get something for Garfield since he had missed his birthday earlier this year.

“It’s great just for the kids to see that police officers aren’t just guys putting bad guys into jail, we’re just regular people,” said Benitez.

Brian Gardener, 8 with Const. Elvin Benitez. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW staff)

In total 25 students from five different schools participated in the event.

Before shopping, the officers and their shopping partners had lunch together at McDonalds.

A girl finishes her McDonalds ice cream while her shopping partner helps her cross off her list. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom